Heart of Ice. [Scarlet Heart: Ryeo fanfic - BOOK 1]

Chapter 8 - Stay With Me.

Ha Eun's (Hae In) POV
After we left the house of the Kangs, Prince Wook, Prince So and I made our way towards the horses. Prince So said "You're riding with me." I nodded and he helped me up the horse, before proceeding to sit behind me.

He said "Hae In, this trip is going to take at least 2 days, so feel free to sleep." I nodded and said "Thank you, Prince So." He said "It's fine." He used a hand to hold my waist tightly, to prevent me from falling. After 3 sleepless nights, I fell asleep quickly in the arms that gave me security.

Wang So's POV
Not long after we set off from the Kangs' house, Hae In fell asleep. I held onto her tightly, to prevent her from falling. She leaned her head back against my shoulder, and I noticed how sweet and innocent she looked. Yes, this is girl is mine.

Halfway through, she moved slightly in her sleep and the sleeve of her Hanbok rolled up, revealing the litters of bruises on her arm. I decided to leave it for nightfall, where we would stop and rest till the next morning to continue our trip, for our safety. Hae In stayed in deep sleep all the way till nightfall.

When night fell, we put our journey on halt and stopped found an empty area to sleep. Wook got off his horse first and tied it to a tree before coming over and taking Hae In into his arms. I jumped off mine and did the same to my horse. I fed both horses with food, before returning to Wook, who was resting under a tree.

He said "Brother, here's Hae In." Before passing her to me. I gently laid her head onto my chest and wrapped an arm around her waist, ensuring that she was comfortable and won't fall back. I said "Wook, I think Kang Jun's men hit her." His eyes widened in disbelief and he said "What?" I sighed and said "There are bruises on her arms. I saw them when her sleeve rolled up."

He said "I'll get Soo and Chae Ryung to clean her up after we get back." I nodded and said "You should rest, we have to travel the whole day tomorrow." He nodded and said "You too, Brother So." I nodded and he soon fell asleep. I pushed Hae In's hair away from her face and stroked her face lightly.

Why are you making my heart beat so rapidly? You're melting my icy, cold heart.

Ha Eun's (Hae In) POV
"You're mine!" He yelled, as he lunged towards me. "No, no, don't touch me!" I screamed in fear. He pinned me down, and his men suddenly came into the picture, smirking. They started beating me up, while I screamed, struggled-

"Hae In! Hae In!" I opened my eyes and saw Prince So and Prince Wook staring at me worriedly. I instinctively hugged Prince So, who stroked my hair lightly. I cried "I'm scared..." He patted my back lightly and said "There's nothing to be scared of, I'm here, and so is Wook. The Kangs are not going to touch you ever again." I nodded and after I calmed down, Prince Wook went back to sleep while I sat beside Prince So.

He said "You're my girl." I looked up and said "Neh?" He repeated himself "You're my girl, no one can hurt you." I said "Aniya...I'm not your girl." All of a sudden, he pressed his lips onto mine and my eyes widened. He pulled away and diverted his gaze from me.

I yawned and he looked at me. I froze and he smiled lightly. Prince So...Is so attractive when he smiles. I brought my hand up to stroke his cheek lightly. I said "Prince...Why do you cover your face up?" He smiled sadly and said "That's a story for another day." I said "Promise you'll tell me?" He nodded and said "I'm a man of my words. You should sleep, Hae In." I said "S- Stay with me?" He nodded and said "I'll be by your side, the whole night."

He patted his shoulder, signaling me to lay my head down and I did. I closed my eyes and felt an arm around my waist, and a hand holding mine. He said "Goodnight, Hae In." I said "Goodnight, Prince So, sweet dreams..." I felt him laying his head onto mine and both of us fell asleep. The next morning, I woke up early and saw that Prince So was still sleeping. I laid silently in his embrace, afraid to wake him up if I stirred.

I carefully sat up and moved his head so that it was on my shoulder. That was when I noticed. Our fingers were still intertwined. Blushing at the thoughts of last night, I didn't notice that Prince So had already woken up. He said "You're awake?" I nodded and said "Good morning, Prince So."

I guess, I'm falling for your icy, cold heart.