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

Chapter 40: Awake

She awoke to light streaming through a window. But that window wasn't what drew her notice. She had eyes only for the man lying next to her. His eyes were closed. And he was breathing lightly. He was clearly asleep.

She felt tenderness flood her heart as her eyes slid along his beautiful countenance. Were she to live for a hundred years, she knew that she would never cease to love that face. Or to crave the sight of his glorious jade eyes. Even now she felt a little sad that they were closed in slumber. Except that...his eyelids were gorgeous too. And the pretty show of his midnight eyelashes nestled up against his tan cheeks delighted her heart almost as much as his captivating orbs did.

She missed his soft voice too.

But as she gazed at him, she recalled the drama of yesterday. And her brow furrowed with concern. She reached up a hand and touched his forehead with the back of it. And breathed an instant sigh of relief.

His fever had broken.

No wonder he was sleeping so peacefully. And quietly.

"He's just fine, my dear," whispered a kind voice.

Ni Na glanced up into the eyes of Lady Lee. And her own eyes widened.

To be discovered in bed with the woman's son was slightly embarrassing. But then she remembered that Lady Lee was the one who had told her to sleep here.

"Have you been awake all night?" Ni Na queried quietly.

And amusement crinkled the corners of the older woman's eyes. "Oh, my dear! It's no longer morning. You have slept well into the afternoon. It is about half past three now."

Ni Na's eyes widened in dismay. "Surely, you didn't stay awake for the past twelve hours!"

That noble lady shook her head. "No. Beom Sook awoke around six. I sent for my lady's maid. She sat with you two until I awoke from my sleep. Oh, about a half hour ago. I would say that we are all well and truly rested now." She looked down at her son. "Except for Beom Sook. But he's still recovering."

Her eyes found Ni Na's again. "How are you feeling, my dear? Are you all right?"

Ni Na nodded. But then she felt a pang in her stomach. A moment later, it was followed by a loud rumble. And Lady Lee smiled at her.

"I would imagine that you are now quite famished. I will have a servant bring you lunch."

Ni Na's eyes traveled to Beom Sook's face again. "Is he truly all right?"

"Yes, my dear. He's well on his way to recovering. The fever is gone."

So it hadn't been her imagination. Ni Na touched his forehead again. This time with her fingertips. She ran them through a lock of his hair that had been threatening one of his eyes. She drew it back away from his face. And smiled.

Lady Lee watched her fondly.

"I think," Ni Na finally asserted, "that I shall get up and stretch my legs a bit then. And I will find my own lunch. But thank you." Her eyes engaged his mother's again. And she smiled.

Then, slowly, she climbed from bed. A little loathe to leave that comfortable spot. Who knew when she would next lie in a bed with the man of her dreams?

She sighed.

But really, she had nothing to be sad about. Hadn't the man declared his love for her?

"I do love you as a friend. But, no, Ni Na, not just as a friend. I love you as a man loves a woman."

She nearly squealed as joy spiraled through her. Yesterday, that lovely moment had been overshadowed too soon by her concern over his health. But now, she could revel in it as she relived it in her memory.