The Bride: A Sequel to Hwarang: The Saga of the Sooks Book #7

Chapter 22: That's a Plan

As he tugged her along, Ni Na stared down at that strong hand engulfing hers. And felt oddly warmed by its embrace. Could she really picture the rest of her life without him? Should he never propose to her – or should he propose and she refuse him – could she face that lonely future?

She still wanted him with all her heart. The question was...could she endure a marriage with him based upon only friendship?

It could still be a good marriage, couldn't it?

But it would never develop into the passionate relationship for which she had always secretly hoped. Still...it would be better than her marrying some other man. Some man with whom she had no connection. And to whom she had no attraction.

At least, Beom Sook was becoming one of her best friends.

All these thoughts fled her mind as they turned the corner and came face to face with a ravenous crowd of children. Apparently, the rice cakes had done little to assuage their hunger. They came forward like a flood and descended upon the bags of fruit. Quickly devouring all that they'd brought them.

Lee Beom Sook watched them inhaling their treats and felt pity for them filling his chest.

"How long have you been without a home?" he asked the oldest boy after a few minutes.

"Several months," he mumbled around a mouthful of strawberries.

"What happened?" Ni Na asked suddenly.

The boy glanced at her, but he didn't reply. He crammed another strawberry into his mouth. As though he hadn't already consumed ten of those juicy berries.

"A plague hit our village last summer," the eldest girl finally responded.

Ni Na's heart bent towards her as she studied the girl. "How old are you?" she quizzed her.

"Almost sixteen."

There, but for the grace of God, go I....

Ni Na swallowed as her eyes flooded with tears. She closed them and turned away before reaching up to wipe the evidence of them from her face. This girl was barely younger than she was. Yet, while Ni Na had been surrounded by luxury, her tummy full every night – and all day long too, this child had scraped and striven just to survive the elements...and a roaring hunger.

As Ni Na turned back towards them, she addressed the group. "How many families do you represent? Can you show me?"

She gave them a couple of minutes, but before long they were standing in smaller groups. Thirteen, to be exact. There was a set of two boys and another of two girls. A girl and a boy formed three of the groups. Two girls and a boy, another two groups. Two boys and a girl, the final of the larger three groups. Five children stood alone. Two girls and three boys. There were twenty-four children in all. Twelve boys. And twelve girls. An even dozen of each.

Ni Na turned to smile at Beom Sook. "It's a sign."

"What?" he queried, uncomprehending.

"There are exactly twelve of each. Twelve boys. Twelve girls. The house will be split in half."

He nodded. He inhaled sharply before broaching the subject with the children. He cleared his throat and got their attention.

"We would like to offer you shelter. And food. Clean clothes."

"And an education," Ni Na added.

The children's eyes all flew wide.

"What's the catch?" asked the oldest girl. Suspiciously.