Chapter 25

She was jealous of him! Shamelessly, deeply and honestly — jealous of him! All these months, his life and free minutes belonged to her — when she lost her husband, without even having time to know the charms of marital happiness, Wang Han was a consolation and support for her. For hours, he read books to her, without asking or saying anything; for hours, they silently wandered through the surrounding forests, listening only to the singing of birds and the chimes of running streams; they rode for hours on horseback as far as possible from all people, where only the noisy sea could be their witness; they sat for hours at the grave of Wang Tae in the cemetery, without hurting a word — and these hours were so priceless for Heonui!

But then, Chenghuan arrived and took him away... Her young and wonderful face, her imperiously charming character, and subtle, purely feminine-wise sense of humor were now a support and consolation for Wang Han. Heonui saw that now Chenghuan would read with him for hours, walk with him in nature for hours, and ride horses with him for hours to bring him back to life and mend his heart torn to shreds.

It was unbearable! Heonui suddenly jumped up, just as Chenghuan was about to sit down at the piano and, frightening everyone, cried out:

"Please, forgive me, I am not well! I should go, I should leave!"

Wang Han, who a second earlier had been beaming with a new, loving radiance towards the newly arrived guest, immediately changed his face and asked worriedly:

"What is it, Your Royal Highness? You feel ill?"

Heonui turned to him and glared.

"I should go. I beg your pardon. I really do not feel well. Headache gets in the way."

"I will accompany you."

"No!" Heonui, as if insane, waved her hands, leaving the hall in a hurry.

"Wang Han, let her go. You understand, Miss Li-en needs rest. I think our fun is too early for her. She is grieving," Lady Chenghuan muttered, stopping Wang Han from going after Heonui. "Let her rest, Your Royal Highness."

Wang Han hesitated and stopped. Princess Chenghuan continued to hold his sleeve.

"She does not need you, Your Royal Highness," she said in a calm tone. "I need you."

With these words, she abruptly turned Wang Han towards her and clung to his lips in an unexpected and passionate kiss.