When Can I See You Again?

Chapter 1 (Haewon's POV)

The palace was filled with murmurs and whispers of the king's newest decree. I had been trying to ignore their stares all day. As I stood on a balcony watching over the army cadets that were training in the courtyard, a familiar voice behind me said, "Haewon-ah, I've been looking for you." It was Sunwoo. 

I turned and said, smiling, "And I've been trying to avoid people all morning." Sunwoo laughed and said, "I suppose you heard Jinheung's command then? It's a shame you've never personally met. You'd have become best friends instantly." 

Just then, a voice behind Sunwoo said, "Indeed. But I believe it's time we met." As King Jinheung came into view, I gasped and immediately knelt down as I said, "Your Royal Highness! I was uninformed that you would be coming." Jinheung said, "Rise, General Choi. Sunwoo-ah, it's about time you introduce us." 

As I stood straight, Sunwoo said, "Haewon, meet Jinheung. And Jinheung, Haewon. Since you'll be spending more time together from now on, it's time for both of you to become friends." Jinheung held out his hand and said, grinning, "We've seen each other around and Sunwoo never shuts up about you, so it's nice to properly meet. You don't need to call me formally anymore, just Jinheung is fine. You're the youngest general, aren't you?". 

I shook his hand and said, "Yes, Your Majesty. Uh, I mean, Jinheung." Jinheung said, "Right, we leave to the Hwarang House at daybreak. Please be ready." With that, Jinheung left.

That night, as I stuffed clothes into my trunk, I heard muffled voices outside. Curious, I peeked out the window and saw two men wearing black robes that were creeping silently to the king's quarters. A bolt of alarm shot through me when I recognized them as assassins. 

I grabbed my sword and creeped through the palace. Much to my frustration, there were no guards posted outside the king's chambers. As I silently entered the king's quarters, I saw a third assassin next to the sleeping king.

With a quick move, I snapped the assassin's neck and flung his body on the floor. The soft thud of the body had woken Jinheung, who now looked at me in alarm. I whispered, "Assassins. Two more." 

As I motioned for Jinheung to hide under the bed, I heard the second assassin enter through the window. A quick slash of my sword and I had severed the assassin's head. Just then, a sharp tug made me fall. Right on top of Jinheung. He let go of my arm and wrapped his arms around my waist as my eyes widened. 

Jinheung whispered, "There's still one more. Shh." So we waited in silence. In that silence, I could tell even in the dark that we were too close. And that my cheeks were slowly turning pink. And then, I heard footsteps. Loud footsteps, which meant it wasn't an assassin. 

Then, the door burst open and Sunwoo and the royal guards entered as I scrambled to my feet. Jinheung stood and said, "Clean this mess. And find out who did this." Sunwoo came over and said, "Are you both okay? We killed the last one." I said, "We're fine. But I have to deal with something."

Letting the anger that I had suppressed fill my voice, I used my professional 'General voice' as I yelled at the guards, "Yah! What do you think you're doing?! Your only job is to protect His Royal Highness and now look what's happened! It doesn't matter who's post it is, you always have to check! Understood?! Indisciplined punks! I'll skin you alive next time! Out of my sight!". The guards apologized profusely, cowering in terror.

Sunwoo patted my shoulder and said, "Take it easy. They aren't the ones who caused this. We'll tighten security." Jinheung said, "And it's better if Haewon stays here. You can sleep on the lounge." I nodded. Soon, it was just Jinheung and I in the room. 

Jinheung fell asleep pretty quickly but I was determined to stay awake. Unfortunately, the peaceful darkness and the soft snoring of Jinheung lulled me to sleep. As I slipped into sleep, I realized that I'd be getting nightmares. As usual.