When Can I See You Again?

Chapter 2 (Jinheung's POV)

The next morning, I woke to find Haewon sleeping peacefully on the lounge. I didn't have the heart to wake her so I left to get ready for the day. When I returned, I found her already awake and ready for the day. I chuckled and said, "You look more peaceful in your sleep." Haewon said, disgruntled, "You should've woken me. It's nearly time." With that, we walked off to the courtyard. 

Our trunks had been taken to the Hwarang House earlier. Three horses stood in the courtyard, and Sunwoo was already mounted on one. As I watched, Haewon walked up to one and mounted it, in the casual stance of an experienced rider. 

I mounted the last one and said, "I hope you all have slept well. Let's go." We slowly rode to the Hwarang House. The journey was filled with laughter and life, and by the end, I felt that I knew Haewon better than anyone else.

When we arrived, we were welcomed by Suho, Banryu, Yeowol, Hansung and Ahro. Much to my surprise, Haewon knew all of them. She said, "Sunwoo introduced me to them when he first joined the Hwarang." By the evening, we had adjusted easily to life as a Hwarang. Haewon was to work as a teacher to the Hwarang while Sunwoo and I reprised our old roles as Hwarang. 

As I walked up to the balcony to join Haewon, I noticed how her posture was always perfect, and how relaxed her grip on her sword was. Like a content lioness. There was something about her that had drawn me in from the moment we had met. She was watching the Hwarang practice sword-fighting. 

I said, "Sunwoo told me that you told off the more difficult Hwarang. Did they truly deserve it?". Haewon said coldly, "Yes. They were bullying one of the Hwarang. And I stepped in. They yelled at me. So I twisted their arms and had them sent to the infirmary." I said, flustered, "Wow, you've got quite a temper." Haewon smiled and said, "Yes. It doesn't matter to me if they're True Bones. What's wrong is wrong."

I said, trying to hide my smile, "Careful. They might quit." She said, "If they're going to quit, they might as well quit quickly. You said nothing is harder than training those who are going to leave anyway." I laughed and said, "I see. You've become quite confident after you got promoted." She laughed this time and replied, "I must've picked up a few things while working here. I learned it all from you, Your Majesty."

Just then, a voice said, "Jinheung, the General from China has arrived." It was Sunwoo. As Haewon and I turned, Haewon gave a delighted cry when she saw the man standing next to Sunwoo. The man was the same age as me and he was muscular and good-looking. The man gave a similar delighted cry before running forward to hug Haewon.

Haewon said happily, "Cai Xufeng! You should've told me you were coming!". Cai Xufeng replied, "Chen Huilang, I've missed you!". The fact that I didn't speak Mandarin felt like a prick in my side now. I asked, "You two know each other?". 

Haewon answered in Korean, "Yeah. He's my childhood best friend. When my dad was a Commander, the Queen Dowager had him posted in China, so I lived there for 5 years. That's why I can speak Mandarin. I taught Xufeng to speak Korean. Isn't that right, Fengfeng?". 

Hearing Haewon call Cai Xufeng by an affectionate nickname seemed to do something to me. Nevertheless, I forced a smile as Xufeng said in Korean, "Your Majesty, excuse my improper behavior. Seeing Huilang after a long time made me forget my duty." I said, "It's alright. Why don't we talk more in my quarters? And please, call me Jinheung."

20 minutes later, Sunwoo, Xufeng, and I were seated in my chambers. Xufeng said, "I was sent because the Jade Emperor wanted me to oversee the support Silla received from China. We've agreed to help stabilize Silla's throne for a price." I nodded and asked, "If I may ask, what happened in China with Haewon's parents?". 

Xufeng went pale and said, "She hates talking about it. But it's better if you know. Huilang's parents died bravely, fighting for Silla. It happened in her very first year in China. After that, my mom raised her under the watchful eyes of the palace officials. That's why Huilang is so.... cold now." I nodded, shocked into silence. Sunwoo said sadly, "When she returned, she was 13. And my dad took care of her. Being the Commander's daughter, she quickly climbed the ranks of the army. She's been through a lot."

And then, Ahro burst in, eyes panicked. Sunwoo immediately asked, "What's wrong?". Ahro said, panicking, "Come quick! It's Haewon!". As we ran to the courtyard, we saw Haewon in the middle of a riot.