Moonflower

Chapter 58: The Lavish Meal & the Lame Maid

Over the next few days, Jungkook was unfailingly patient with Jina. He approached her sweetly often. One morning, she awoke to a vase of freshly cut flowers. She stared in wonder at their pink and purple blooms for minutes on end. Then she reached out a tentative hand to feel their velvet petals.

Later, as she slipped off to sleep in his arms, he brushed his fingertips along the inside of her arm - making her melt, though she didn't tell him so - and he whispered ten words. Which made her heart melt too.

"Your skin is so soft. Velvet like the flower petals."

She wasn't used to being touched so tenderly. And in such an innocuous location. She fell asleep with a smile on her face. She was beginning to feel safe with him. In spite of herself. And her past.

Then the next morning, she woke up to a knock on the door. She climbed from her bed and walked across the room. Determined to be cautious. Jungkook had warned her to be very careful when she was alone. He'd told her about his conversation with the king. They were all on their guard now. Through the closed door, she called, "Who's there?"

"It's me, ma'am. I'm a kitchen slave. Your husband asked me to bring your breakfast."

Jina opened the door tentatively. She peeked through the crack in the doorway. Her eyes went wide. A servant girl stood balancing a heavily laden tray.

"Good morning, ma'am," the girl tried to bow.

"Stop!" Jina's eyes widened further, and she threw her arms out to catch the tray which had tipped forward. The pot of tea had been in danger of smashing on the floor. "Please come in!"

After making sure that the girl had a good hold on the tray once more, Jina released it and backed up. "You can set the tray on that table." She pointed at a table situated only three feet away from the servant.

Jina stared at the mountain of food. So many dishes to delight her senses. She instantly realized they were all her favorite ones from the smorgasbord she and Jungkook had shared because of Moonflower's kindness that one day. He had paid attention. And taken notes, apparently.

Today he had put his newfound knowledge to good use. Her eyes filled with tears. Is this what real love felt like? At least, true kindness? Did a man actually exist who would lavish her with lovingkindness? And had she been blessed enough to marry him? Even after everything she'd suffered?

She glanced at the servant girl. "Have you eaten? I can't possibly eat all of this. Would you like to stay and share it with me?"

Eyes wide, the young girl stared up at her. "Is it okay? I won't get in trouble?"

Jina shook her head. "I'll tell them I kept you. If you're questioned, blame me."

The young girl nodded her head.

Jina eyed her. She couldn't be more than twelve years old. "I'm Jina. What's your name?"

"Nuri." The girl hadn't moved. She just stared longingly at the food.

Jina smiled at her. "Help yourself."

The girl's eyes grew even wider. "After you, ma'am. When you have taken your fill, I'll eat something."

Jina considered her. "I'm not really hungry yet. You eat first. Help yourself to whatever you like." She paused as tears filled the girl's eyes. "Have you ever eaten any of these foods?"

"Just plain rice and some meat and vegetables. I've never had the rice cakes or any of the wondrous delicacies the chef added to your plate."

Jina furrowed her brow. "Does my husband know the chef?"