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

Chapter 35: Spoilt Plans & Bitter Traumas

The next day arrived all too soon for Ni Na. She wasn't sure that her heart could take what it was about to endure. Gazing at the face of her beloved all day long while she tried to capture his beautiful essence on a piece of silk. Was it even possible?

Would her heart explode while she accomplished the endeavor? Would she perhaps melt into a puddle onto the floor at his feet? Or, even worse, betray some hint of her true feelings?

She crawled out of bed. Pulling on her clothes reluctantly. She wanted to see him. But she didn't want to see him. She longed to be with him. But every moment more in his presence increased her desire for him. And her hopelessness. Because even if he ever did propose to her, his choice would be made out of simple friendship. Not from fervent adoration.

She slid her arms into her robe and drew it about her waist. Preparing herself to go beard the lion. She released a deep sigh as a knock sounded on her door.

"Ni Na?"

It was Dan O.

"Come in, auntie."

The woman slipped into her room and shut the door. "This just came for you. From the orphan house."

She handed Ni Na a scrap of parchment. The young woman's eyes quickly perused the missive.

"Dae Hee is sick?" Ni Na gasped, alarmed. "I must go to her at once! Please inform Lord Lee when he arrives that I am visiting her this morning."

Her friend nodded her head. "Yes, milady. Of course. Just...please stay healthy."

Ni Na reached out for a bag and began to fold an extra outfit. She shoved it into the bag along with a few other belongings and set out for Beom Sook's outer property.

She practically ran halfway there. Until she came to an abrupt halt as she collided with a strong chest.

"I am so sorry!" she gasped, glancing up at the man now grasping her upper arms. "Beom Sook!"

"My dear," he smiled down at her. "Why are you running?" His brow crumpled. "Didn't we agree that I would meet you at your house this morning?"

She bobbed her head. "But Dae Hee is sick!"

"What? She is? Why did they inform you but not me?" he wondered aloud.

"Come!" Without thinking, she reached up and grasped his hand as it slid off her arm. She tugged him towards his own house.

He grinned down at her.

She was holding his hand. Did she even realize it?

It seemed, a few minutes later, that she suddenly did. For she instantly released it. And he felt his heart sink in disappointment. He glanced abruptly down at her.

"Why did you let go of my hand?" he queried before he could think better of it.

"What?" She peered up at him. "I'm sorry. I hadn't realized that I'd grabbed it."

His heart sank.

Really?

He continued to stare down at her. "It's okay, you know," he murmured suddenly.

"What?" she blinked as she continued to stare into his eyes.

"If you want to hold my hand...it's all right."

She began to blink more rapidly as her eyes moved away from his.

Beom Sook was offering to let her hold his hand?