Hwarang: A Different Kind Of Halfbreed.

21.

Mei woke up in the morning and went straight to the bathhouse, she wanted to waste as much time as possible but she was to have breakfast with Sang min so she bathed quickly and dressed as fast as she could.

She was intrigued by Sang min and wanted to know more. There was a table set up for them in the garden and Mei was the first to arrive.
   She sat down and waited for the prince to arrive. She wondered what they would talk about and if they'd really end up being friends.

She started imagining what their married life would be like, perhaps they'd have three children and be happy even if they weren't in love.
Maybe they would learn to love each other and she'd have long since forgotten about Jinheung.

She suddenly started worrying about Jinheung, had he finally ascended the throne? Would he agree to marry Sook myung or insist on marrying Ah ro despite her being in love with Dog bird.

"What occupies your mind so early in the morning princess?" Sang min asked as he sat down.  Mei was pulled out of her thoughts and smiled.
   "I'm sorry I was just thinking about - never mind. Good morning prince Sang min" Mei said, stood up and bowed.

Sang min stood up and bowed too and then they both sat down.  "Did you sleep well?" He asked.  "I slept well thank you, and you your highness"

  "I slept well thank you"

They proceeded to eat breakfast silently and Mei wondered if it was because they hardly knew each other or if the prince was someone who didn't talk during meals.

After breakfast the court maids cleared everything odd the table and Mei and the prince were left alone.
   
Mei found herself thinking of what to say and that was strange for her because she was usually very good at making friends and always had a lot to say.
  
Sang min stared at Mei and wondered what she was thinking about, she was so lost in her thoughts that she didn't notice him staring at her.  She was a beautiful young woman, one of the most beautiful women he had ever seen.
  "You seem extremely distracted princess, shall we go for a walk perhaps to clear your mind"

Mei smiled apologetically "I'm sorry it's just that I - I don't know" she said.   Sang min stood up and held his hand out to her,  "Come, walk with me" he said. Mei stood up and took his hand and together they walked further into the garden.

Mei still couldn't think of what to say so she distracted herself with the various flowers growing in the garden.  She bent down and picked up a rose  and she smiled  "Are you afraid of me?" Sang min asked.

Mei turned to face him and shook her head, she stood on her toes and put the rose into the prince's hair. She smiled "I'm not afraid of you, I just don't know how to act around you" she said. 

Sang min smirked and pulled her closer and then slid his arm around her waist.  "Treat me like I'm your friend or perhaps your older brother" he said.  Mei stared up at him in shock and he started laughing.
  
  "I think I'm going to enjoy teasing you, you get flustered so easily" he said.  Mei pouted and hit his chest "how could you say that, I do not get flustered easily. I mean who wouldn't be surprised if someone just grabbed them and pulled them close" she said and smiled.