The Mercenary: A Sequel to Hwarang: The Saga of the Sooks Book #2

Chapter 9: The Need

She approached the garden with unease the next evening. Certain he would be waiting for her.

She wasn't even sure why she had come, knowing she'd have to face him again. She sighed in relief – and disappointment – when she noted her empty bench. She glanced around. Oddly saddened that he was not here. But as she stepped up to her bench, she was surprised to discover a scroll lying on it. She bent over to retrieve that slip of parchment before sitting down.

Curiously, she unrolled it, and her eyes began to peruse its contents.

"Lovely maiden

In the moonlight,

Beautiful girl

In the sunlight,

"I prefer you

At the sunset.

A picture I

Couldn't forget.

"Its dying rays

Display your face,

Your allure,

Beauty, and grace.

"Drawing me in,

Ever forward.

Incline my ear

Toward your word.

"Pulling me near

To you, my dear.

Give me a chance.

At sweet romance.

"Bend your smile

Upon this man.

Flash your fair eyes

With no disguise

"My humble way.

Don't lead astray.

Reach for my hand.

Welcome this man."

She kept her lips stiff while she read his message. But her heart couldn't help but bend at the thought that he had taken the time to write her a poem.

Or...had he?

Had he commanded a servant to pen this? Or to copy it from a book?

She frowned.

"If you're wondering whether or not the words are mine, I can assure you that they are," a soft voice spoke from across the stream.

She glanced up as her heart suddenly shot forward like a blast from a cannon. But she resisted the urge to throw a hand up over that racing organ. She glared at him instead.

"Prove it," she tossed the challenge at him in a haughty tone.

He quirked one elegant, midnight eyebrow as his eyes assessed her. She was acting cool, but her cheeks belied that ice. They had blushed a becoming rose as she'd read his words. And that flame had only grown when she'd discovered his presence in her garden with her.

"Certainly," he stepped over the stream and approached her slowly. "How so?"

"Compose me another. Right now." Apparently, she thought this would constitute a challenge for him.

He chuckled at her naiveté. And bowed to her. "Good evening, princess. May I sit next to you?"

"No," she responded rudely. "I wish for you to kneel before me. While you recite me a poem of your own making."