Some time later, I woke up and glanced drowsily around the room. Sunlight was streaming in through the windows, giving shadows a stage to dance merrily across the floor.

"Good morning, Lady Lily," Ayura swept into the room carrying a tray heaped with pastries and a silver teapot.

I sat up abruptly. "Morning? Have I really been asleep that long?"

Ayura grinned and nodded. "You slept all day and night. Soo-Won ordered us not to wake you."

Soo-Won! I remembered everything at once. "How is he?" I asked in a rush.

"He's fine," she answered in a soothing voice. "In fact, he requested that you join him for a walk after you eat."

She handed me the tray as she spoke. I suddenly realized how ravenously hungry I was, and gratefully took it from her. In between bites I said, "That's fine, but is it really alright for him to be up already?"

"Hak wasn't happy about it, of course," she replied with a smile, "but the doctor gave him permission as long as he doesn't push himself too hard."

I nodded thoughtfully, then quickly finished eating and prepared to go to his to room. I was glad to hear that he was doing well, but I still wanted to see with my own eyes.

Flinging open the door to his room, I stepped inside. Soo-Won was sitting on the edge of the bed conversing with Hak. As soon as he heard me, he turned around and waved cheerfully.

My heart filled with emotion at the sight of him. He was still a bit pale, but he looked much better than he had the day before. I was truly so glad. I don't know what I would have done if I had lost him. I was beginning to realize just how much I cared for this man, and it frightened me. I didn't think I would be able to bear losing anyone else who was dear to me.

I resolutely pushed these thoughts out of my mind as I walked up to him. "Good morning," I said shyly.

"Good morning, Lily," he replied brightly. "Are you ready for our walk?"

I couldn't help but notice Hak's scowl, and responded carefully, "Yes, but are you certain that you're feeling up to it?"

He threw up his hands in mock exasperation. "First Hak, and now you? You're both treating me like I'm on my deathbed."

"You were just a day ago," Hak retorted hotly.

"But I'm fine now," Soo-Won said emphatically. "The doctor even said it was alright, so I don't see any problem."

Turning to me, he said, "Let's go, Lily." Grabbing my wrist, he dragged me out of the room.

Hak trailed us out to the courtyard, but Soo-Won ordered him to wait inside the palace. It was obvious that he wasn't happy about it, but he obeyed, and Soo-Won and I continued alone.

"Hak is just worried about you, you know," I said softly as I looked straight ahead.

"I know," he answered, "but sometimes he can be a little overbearing."

"Isn't that just because you're important to him? After all, you've done so much for him…"

Soo-Won looked at me sharply. "He told you, didn't he?"

No point in hiding it now. I nodded hesitantly.

"I see," he said after a moment's pause, "well I think that's fine. You're trustworthy, after all."
I couldn't help but marvel at the fact that he still trusted me after everything that happened. Too overcome to speak, I could only manage a small, grateful smile.

We walked on in silence. After a while, I noticed that he was leaning more and more heavily on my arm. I glanced up at him, and saw with alarm that his face was flushed with exhaustion. I had known from the start that this wasn't a good idea. If we continued any longer, he would definitely collapse. Thinking fast I said, "Look at how lovely the flowers on that bush are! Would it be alright if we just stay here for a bit?"

"You mean this one?" he gestured to a rather ugly fern, completely void of flowers.

I felt my cheeks burning, but nodded resolutely.

"Alright then," he agreed amiably. We sat down on a nearby bench and I did my best to feign interest in the homely fern that I supposedly adored.

After a moment he said quietly, "Lily?"

"Hm?" I asked without removing my gaze from the plant.

"Hak told me how upset you were about everything that happened, and how you stayed by my side all night," he began awkwardly.

I stared down at my hands clasped in my lap and prayed that he couldn't see how red my face was.

"Why did you go that far for me?"

His tone was surprisingly serious, and when I glanced up his blue eyes were filled with intensity.

My heart leaped in my chest as I searched for an answer. "I-I…that's because it was my fault that you were so sick. I would've felt guilty…so, so guilty…if…," my voice trailed off as I struggled to keep from crying.

"I see," he said gently. "Well, thank you Lily, but it really wasn't your fault at all." He smiled, but somehow, he didn't look satisfied with my answer. I knew that I was probably just over thinking it though.

"But that's not all," I went on in a near whisper. "I just couldn't stand the thought of you dying." To my dismay, tears began to run down my face in large, clear drops. "I…lost my parents during the plague, so I just don't want to lose any more people that I care about."

As soon as the words were out of my mouth, I regretted it. I had never meant to tell him something so personal. I angrily dashed away my tears, and was calling myself every kind of fool, when Soo-Won put his hand on top of mine. I looked up into eyes that were filled with tender understanding.

"I'm sorry to hear about your parents, Lily," he looked as if he too was fighting his emotions, "but I promise you that I won't die, so please don't cry."

I gave him a watery smile, but I could see that his thoughts had moved elsewhere. He was gazing at the sky, a distant expression on his face.

"Soo-Won…?" my voice was soft. "Is something the matter?"

He looked at me in surprise, then right before my eyes he pulled down his mask and the usual Soo-Won was back.

"Ahaha, sorry Lily, my mind was wandering." After a moment, he burst out. "Oh, yes! I almost forgot. I wanted to ask you what you wanted for your present."

"Present…?" I asked in confusion.

"Yes. To thank you for taking such good care of me. I'll give you anything you want—you may even leave early if you choose."

"You really don't need to…," I began.

"Lily," he took my hand and looked at me earnestly, "Please. I want to do this for you."

He wasn't playing fair, I thought. How could I say no when he was looking at me with those eyes? I sighed resignedly, "Fine, if you really won't take no for an answer."

He flashed a grin. "I won't. So, what would you like? Go ahead. Don't be shy."

I considered his offer. He had said that he would even give me my freedom if I asked for it, but for some reason I felt no joy at his words. The thought of leaving the palace, of leaving him, made my chest tighten strangely. I didn't understand what I was feeling, but I knew that I didn't want to leave yet.

"Alright then…would you let me go into town for a day?" I suggested. "I've wanted to tour the capital since I've arrived."

I was met by silence. I couldn't read his expression, but I immediately assumed that I must have overstepped my bounds.

"Sorry…I guess that's a bit difficult," I amended quickly, "I'm fine with some books or a new kimono, anything is fine really!"

"No, no, not at all," he said with an apologetic smile. "I was just a bit surprised that you didn't take me up on my offer. To leave the palace, that is."

"Th-That's just because I'm a woman who keeps my word," I stammered indignantly. "I agreed to teach you for two full months, so I won't leave before that."

He looked thoughtful for a moment. "I see," he said finally. "Well, I'm glad to hear it. I think that going to town is a wonderful idea. Let's go together, shall we?"

"Eh…? That's fine, I guess," I said nonchalantly as I worked to hide the happiness I felt at his words.

"Great," he smiled, "let's do it next week then."

I returned his smile and nodded in reply. I was excited, but a bit nervous too. I had spent a lot of time with him, and we had even been alone during our lessons, but this was different. It was almost like a date, I thought to myself with a smile.