Jealous Till Jade: A Hwarang Fanfic

Chapter 7: The Poison

I fall deeper and deeper into the pitch-black hole - one very similar to the magical rabbit hole Alice fell into in Alice in Wonderland. The only difference is that this one has no lamps, no objects; just complete darkness and nothingness. I'm so afraid, I can't even find the voice to scream. Where does this go to? Am I dead and headed towards hell? What lies ahead of me?

I snap my eyes open and let out a big sigh, relieved that it was just a dream. I realize I have a major headache and massage my temple. When I look to my side, there's no sign of Grace. Her nightgown and reading book lie in the center of her neatly made bed. Where could she be off to this time? We've both been so caught up in housework, we haven't been able to spend quality time together. She must feel lonely. Maybe I should plan something for us to do. I sit up and I'm struck by a large knot in my stomach. Suddenly feeling extremely nauseous, I rush into the restroom to throw up in the bowl. Yeah, I'm definitely sick. I can't recall how long it's been since I've felt this ill. I'm someone who generally makes an effort to stay healthy. I flush the toilet and brush my teeth thoroughly. Then I wash my face and brush my hair as I usually do.

Once I'm dressed and I've done my daily hair and makeup routine, I dizzily get up from my mirrored desk. At that moment, there's a knock at the door and a voice calling for me - "Jade! It's Jinheung. Are you alright? I heard you're not feeling well." I walk over to the coat rack to grab and wear my silk robe, then open the door for the king.

"Your majesty, my apologies for appearing indecent. I just got up."

"That doesn't matter. You look awful. Come on, lets get you back in bed." He attempts to guide my towards my bed but I stop him.

"I have to get to work."

"No, Jade. Listen to me. A-ro told her father that you haven't been seeming well. He's on his way now, so lets get you back into bed." He rests his hand on my back and guides me towards my bed. I lay back in it and the king lifts up the covers to my shoulders. I can't tell whether the worsening knot in my stomach is from the flu or the effect of his proximity. As he tucks me in like a child, I watch his every graceful move.

"She didn't have to do that. I'm fine, sire, it's just a cold."

Hovering above me with his hands still gripping my sheets, the king opens his mouth to speak but is interrupted by two knocks on the door. He opens it swiftly to welcome Dr. An.

"Dr. An, I'm sorry for the trouble. I'm actually not feeling that bad," I say with a smile.

"Well, that's not what his majesty here tells me, Miss." The king grabs him my desk chair and Dr. An thanks him. As he sits, he opens up his medical kit and reveals a bunch of doctor's material. In a matter of seconds, he seems to have figured out the problem, as he nods slowly while checking my heart rate. I have a cold, yes, I know, Dr. I'm sorry to have wasted your time.

"Poison," he says sternly. Wait, what?

"What do you mean, poison?" I ask.

"You know, the thing that could kill you?" he clarifies.

"Yes, I know what it is. I mean... How? Why?" I look up at the king.

"I can't believe this. Who would do such a thing?" He says angrily, his eyes swimming in panic.

"I'm glad it was me and not you, your highness."

"Don't be ridiculous. How can a king not protect his woman? I feel like a fool right now." Did he just call me his woman? Touched, I place my hand above his. He meets my gaze and his tense expression turns soft. He sighs and rests his free hand above mine so it's sandwiched.