Chapter 30

Returning from the hunt, Prince Wang Han and Lady Chenghuan did not find Heonui. This upset the Prince so much that Chenghuan thought that he seemed to have forgotten about her existence, having been so fascinated by her the day before.

They had a great time — the baron was a good-natured and respectful man, known in his circles for all sorts of decent deeds that were not inherent, to tell a secret, to know his order. He did a lot of charitable things, did not allow unnecessary pomp, and, generally speaking, led an almost holy life. Wang Han enjoyed his acquaintance, and the son of Won Yuu at one time served in the same regiment as Wang Han himself, but he did not survive the battle and was killed. Why, because of all these important factors, the time they spent in each other's company was just wonderful — they talked a lot and marvelled at the ladies (Wang Han did not take his eyes off the Princess and the baron off his own wife —fifty years of a happy marriage, no less — what a blessing!), jokingly they fought in the armory, drank aged wine and walked among the hogs.

Wang Han noted for himself that he was feeling quite all right. He hasn't felt well in such a long time! It is been a long time since he had a smile on his face! And how the Queen reveled in his company! He was flattered and appreciative of her. How much darkness his soul contained — sleepless nights, Heonui's unconsciousness, and unbearable endless explanations every night of the same thing — that Wang Tae is gone, that she is alive, that he buried him, that he is caring for her. How many times he had to bury him again? How many times Heonui was like a blank slate, and he was supposed to repeat the news of his brother's death over and over! Brother... Wang Tae! Oh, how long could he poison his life with his madness? And even after death, his tenacious fingers seemed to encircle Wang Han's neck, making him mad from fury. Now, nightmares were commonplace for him. But who could complain about this? Heonui suffered the same way — on the night when Princess Chenghuan was reading in the hall, he went to bed later than usual, sitting up with her and listening to her fiery declarations of love, but when he saw Heonui on the floor, all wet with sweat, with crazy eyes. He remembered that on another night, he had also seen his brother asking him to take care of the Princess. He believed her. He also saw a ghost. He saw Wang Tae in his nightmare — all dead, with fire-filled eyes, saying to help Heonui. And he promised, helped her, and took care of her.

"But what else to protect her from? From myself! Do not worry, brother, I'll be with Lady Chenghuan. I shall not betray you," Wang Han whispered almost soundlessly, standing in the empty room where the Princess used to sleep.

"Why did you break from me? Why did you leave?" finally finding a voice, he asked the void, turning his gaze to the bed as if Heonui could hear him.

"She is gone to her parents' house, my darling," he heard the voice of the Queen, who suddenly used courtesies of this kind from their visit to the baron.

"I... I know," the Prince replied dryly, turning abruptly and turning to leave the room.

Chenghuan stopped him, lovingly taking his hand.

"Do not be so upset, Your Royal Highness. I know how dear this poor widow is to your soul, but I think it is better this way. Her company reminds you of your brother. Both of you — both Heonui and you — are supposed to move forward in life. I am sure Wang Tae would like it so. She clearly loved him. And you too."

Wang Han released his hand and said:

"She cannot do that."

Chenghuan's lips parted in surprise.

"What do you have in mind?"

"I cannot move forward knowing she is not okay. She was the love of all life of... Wang Tae. And now she is alone. I feel like she just ran away. But she won't be happy about it, I fret."

Lady Chenghuan frowned and answered sternly:

"What are you to do, my love? Will you protect her all your life? I think that Heonui was right to leave like that in secret. I think she seized the moment, especially when we left. She wished to leave you. She is there with her family, and I think that you just do not want to let her go because she is a reminder of your brother for you.

"What are you talking about ..." Wang Han was annoyed by her words, but the Princess added immediately:

"But it is also important for her to live."

He fell silent.

For a minute, they stood opposite each other and looked into each other's eyes.

Wang Han broke the silence:

"Marry me."

The Princess recoiled.

"Wh-what did you just tell me?"

"Marry me, please, Your Royal Highness," he repeated in a calm voice.

Without answering, the Lady threw herself on his neck.

At that moment, she was the happiest woman in the world.