When Can I See You Again?

Chapter 6 (Jinheung's POV)

Crown Prince Chang's chambers looked stifling. Or maybe it was just me. Haewon seemed calm though, and her confidence put me at ease. Chang asked, "So, General, I've heard that you're the  youngest general in Silla?". She answered, "Yes, Your Highness. Sunwoo and I are both generals, but I became general at 14. Which makes me the youngest general in Silla's history." Chang nodded and said, "I see. It would be nice to have a duel. My general against yours, Jinheung. Why not?". 

I glanced at Haewon and she nodded confidently. I said, "Indeed, why not?". Chang smiled cruelly and said, "Good. You will not survive, however." Haewon chuckled and said coldly, "You're wrong. Have you forgotten who I am? I am Choi Haewon. The battlefield has been my playground ever since I was born." And as I watched her, I saw her eyes gleaming dangerously. And I knew she would win.

That night, the others gathered in my chambers to talk. Yeowol said, "I definitely think Silla is much better than this place. That Chang looks like he kills for fun." Suho said, "He does. This duel means that Baekje can challenge Silla freely now, no matter the outcome." 

Xufeng said confidently, "Even so, they won't be able to stand against Silla for long. Especially not with China's support." Hansung said, "That's good. I just hope you don't get hurt, Haewon." Haewon grinned and said, "I'll do more than that. I'll win." Sunwoo said, "Then, you'll need all the strength you can get. Let's get to bed, we have a long day tomorrow." With that, we went to bed.

The next day, we were gathered in the courtyard with Baekje royal officials and Crown Prince Chang for the duel. Haewon and Baekje's general, Muryeong circled each other slowly. Chang said, "Both generals will duel. Whoever draws first blood wins. Begin." And the fight began.

Haewon's wrath was smoldering, flaring hotter anytime she caught Chang's eyes. She'd been preparing, studying Muryeong fight. The two generals closed, and Haewon cut at Muryeong. Muryeong parried, but Haewon simply mutated the cut into a thrust.She cut and thrust at Muryeong relentlessly, driving him around the ring, never letting him gain his balance. 

Muryeong parried desperately and tried to counter, but Haewon pressed without yielding, never giving up the initiative. Haewon's swordtip finally slipped past Muryeong's guard, and he jerked his head back, barely turning a head-cleaving hew into a gash across his face. Knowing she had won, Haewon grinned widely as she re-circled. Wasting no time, Haewon pressed in, keeping her blade against Muryeong's to close the line, and pressed her swordpoint against Muryeong's throat. Muryeong glared at Haewon, but said the required words, "I yield." 

As we started cheering, Chang silenced us with a hand as he said, "Disappointing. It seems the rumors are true. General, bring Jinheung here." Sensing the danger, Haewon protectively held her sword in front of me and said, smiling coldly, "Over my dead body. We can be civil here or I can reach down your throats and pull out your insides. Choice is yours. And Crown Prince, it would be better if you remember to call the king formally. We're heading back to Silla today." With that, we left.

By the next few days, we were back in Silla. All day, I had watched the Hwarang from the courtyard balcony. Times were becoming more dangerous, considering the Baekje situation. Yet, my heart felt easy and even, happy. I had spent the entire day contemplating the reason.

And I found it. It was Choi Haewon. I immediately sent a Hwarang to call her. Even if the world felt like it was burning, Haewon seemed to be the only one unaffected. When she arrived, I could tell she was confused. So I worked up my courage.

I said, "Choi Haewon. If I say I like you very much and thus I want to farm with you, have children, and live as an average person, would you live with me? I cannot do anything for you. I have no wealth, and I may not even have a decent house. However, I'm saying.... I will trade the throne of Silla for you. I will live as your man and not anyone's king. Will you go with me? No. Please go with me."

As I gazed into her eyes filled with silent questions, I took two quick steps forward and softly pressed my lips to hers.