Hwarang: A Different Kind Of Halfbreed.

31

Mei went back to the palace with her mind full of worry. What if what Sook myung said was true? Could it really be that she and Jinheung couldn't be legally married, was she really going to have to settle for being his concubine??

Jinheung wasn't given a moment's rest since he arrived in Silla, the officials insisted on seeing him  immediately. They'd given him a long lecture over his sudden departure and the potential damage it could've brought. They also proceeded to talk about matters of the kingdom. By the time the officials left, night had fallen and Jinheung was exhausted but he wanted to be with Mei.

He went to her room and found sitting in front of the mirror, combing her hair.
  She didn't notice him come in and she was combing her hair nonchalantly, seemingly unaware of what she was doing. He came up behind her and gently took the comb from her hand and began combing her hair himself. 

"I didn't hear you come in, what are you doing?" She asked as their eyes met through the mirror while he combed her hair.   "Isn't it obvious? I'm combing your hair, were you able to see everyone today?" He asked.

"Yes" she said and averted her gaze from his. "Did you meet with the officials today?" Mei asked.

"Yes" he answered. He noticed that Mei was avoiding eye contact.  "What's the matter?" He asked.

"I don't want to be your concubine" Mei said suddenly and looked at him through the mirror.  Jinheung stopped brushing and stared at her in shock.  "What are you talking about?"

"Sook myung said that we can't get married because I'm a half-breed princess and the officials will never accept me as queen" Mei said.  Jinheung put the comb on the small table beside the mirror and sighed.

"Don't listen to Sook myung, she just inherited mother's stubbornness and pride. She doesn't know what she's talking about, I'm the king I can decide who I marry" he said.

"Jinheung don't be ridiculous, of course as the king you get the final say in most situations but when it comes to choosing a queen, somebody who is going to rule over the country beside you the officials have a say as well. What if they don't want me as their queen?"

"I'll make them see reason"

"What if they don't see your point"

"They will don't worry about it"

"But what if they don't that's all I'm asking you"

"If they don't want you as queen then they can find a new king" Jinheung said. 

"What?!" Mei exclaimed.
  Jinheung nodded and pulled her to her feet. He made her face him and looked directly into her eyes.

"I almost lost you once, I'm not going to let that happen again Mei I love you" he said. Mei closed her eyes as he leaned in and kissed her lips while his arm went around her waist pulling her closer.

He led her to the bed and lay her down. He lay beside her and kissed her again. " You have to go see the doctor tomorrow" Jinheung said.