Heart of Ice

Hate

Yewon recovered but was met with the unwelcome coming of her cycle, which mean that consummation would be postponed until afterwards.

But in that week, many things did happen.

Wonwoo introduced Yewon to her new maid: Lady Haein: a withdrawn young woman with large eyes, full cheeks and a pointy nose. At first glance, Yewon immediately knew that Haein would be much more likeable than Sungyeon was. There was no venom in this woman's eyes, and none in the way she treated her either.

"I met Lady Haein in my travels through Solen," Wonwoo explained when they were sitting at the library. "She was an apprentice in the library I visited to get a copy of book I desperately wanted to read. I recruited her, and she works as an official scribe in the palace library. And now she'll be a maid to you as well in addition to her duty as a scribe. She's a very hard worker and very sweet. I hope you'll like her."

"I do like her," Yewon told him.

"I hope she'll end up a good friend to you," Wonwoo said. "I think you need one while you're alone in this country. I feel like you have no one to talk to."

"Well, I have you," Yewon stated matter-of-factly.

Wonwoo smiled: "I know, but it would be different if it's a woman, you know?"

"Man or woman, it doesn't make a difference."

"It does though. There's a lot you wouldn't tell me because I'm a man. More than that, I'm your husband's half-brother..."

"You are the person I'm most comfortable talking to in this country," Yewon told him. "I would never tell anyone what I tell you."

"So you trust me?"

"Of course."

"May I ask you a personal question then?"

"Anything."

Wonwoo hesitated. He looked around to see if there was anyone hearing them, and when he saw no one, he asked softly: "have you bed with Seungcheol yet?"

Yewon did not think he would go that personal. She had been prepared for almost anything but that question, which made her feel embarrassed and hesitant to answer it. She had spoken to Wonwoo about erotica before, but somehow, it was different to speak about herself in that situation.

"Feel free to not answer if it makes you uncomfortable," Wonwoo added quickly. "And I only ask because I want to know if an heir could possibly come soon..."

"It's important, isn't it?"

"The heir? Very."

"We haven't yet," Yewon admitted to Wonwoo. "But we will."

It was then that Seungcheol and Jeonghan walked into the library, making Yewon feel embarrassed again. She had just been talking about the prospect of having sex with him, and to have him walk in so suddenly like that made her feel so self-conscious.

"Wonwoo, we need the book of Eastern maps," Seungcheol said, ignoring Yewon completely.

"Why?" Wonwoo asked, narrowing his eyes in Jeonghan's direction.

"None of your concern," Seungcheol replied.

"I'm not giving your advisor access to information that he could use to kill others," Wonwoo glared in Jeonghan's direction. Jeonghan rolled his eyes. Yewon could feel very clearly that Wonwoo did not like nor get along with Jeonghan.

"Stop it!" Seungcheol hissed at Wonwoo. "Give us the book."

"No," Wonwoo said simply, crossing his arms. "I'm not. I'm not going to let him lead us into another war. I know what he's planning: strike first before they do. And I can't believe you're listening to him, Seungcheol..."