The Innocent: A Sequel to Hwarang: The Saga of the Sooks Book #3

Chapter 39: Providence

As it turned out, it wasn't as easy to accomplish as Soo Ho had expected. For one thing, he was called before the king later that morning. But still very early in the day. Soo Ho didn't even get to see Jung Sook before he had to head to the palace.

She awoke with a headache. And leaned back against the luxurious bed upon which she'd slept the whole night soundly. The events of yesterday evening came flooding back into her consciousness, and she sat straight up. Bo A was her first thought.

She sprang from the bed and headed for the hallway. She wasn't sure where Soo Yeon's room was, but she did know how to find the sitting room, so she walked that way. She met Lady Bit Na in that sunny room.

"Good morning, dear," the woman greeted her kindly. "Did you sleep well?"

Jung Sook began to nod but ended up wincing instead.

Lady Bit Na's face crumpled in concern. "Does your head ache?"

"It does," Jung Sook responded as she rubbed her forehead. "Where is Bo A?"

"She's still asleep. In Soo Yeon's room. She spent the night with her. My daughter refused to leave her side. She even left a lamp burning so the child would not be scared if she awoke in the night."

Jung Sook smiled at the girl's thoughtfulness. "You have a wonderful family, my lady."

"Thank you. I think so too."

"Is Soo Ho up yet?"

"Oh, my dear! He left already."

"He did?" The teacher's face fell in disappointment as she seated herself in a chair.

She really wanted to see him. His eyes lighting up with joy at her simple presence. She longed to hear his soothing voice breathing into her ear. And she yearned to feel his comforting arms around her again.

But then another thought crossed her mind as her eyes studied the blue sky outside the window.

"Oh!" She leaned forward. "I need to get to the school."

"No, dear, you don't. I've already sent a servant to post a notice dismissing classes today. You need to rest. And Bo A will need you soon."

Jung Sook melted against the back of the chair she was sitting in. "Oh, thank you!" she uttered with heartfelt gratitude. "I cannot imagine trying to deal with those girls today."

"I imagine they're quite the handful, aren't they?" murmured Lady Bit Na cheekily. "I know all of those girls. My admiration for your courage isn't limited to your dealings of last night, my dear. But also to those committed in the daylight. I know very few women who would brave an entire day spent locked in a room with those girls. Let alone every day for months."

"Well, I do get the occasional holiday," Jung Sook muttered with a grin teasing the corners of her lips.

And Soo Ho's mother chuckled delightedly. "Oh, my dear, I just adore you!" she gasped.

And surprise stunned Jung Sook's countenance.

But before she had to think of a reply to that amazing statement, a tiny voice spoke behind her, "Unnie Jung Sook, can I see my eomma?"

The young teacher turned to face the now fatherless girl and recalled when such a circumstance had befallen herself. Of course, she'd been years older than Bo A when her own appa had died. At least, Bo A's cruel father couldn't force his daughter into a violent marriage. And maybe, just maybe, her mother would allow Jung Sook to continue to work with her, affording her advantages that might save her from a disastrous future of her own.