Capítulo 33: Chapter 33
The sun was melting the ground from the very top of the sky, and only rare thaws in some places reminded that it wasn't summer just yet. On the way to the backyard stables, accompanied by a grouchy Martha, Wang Han ran into Mimi. As soon as their eyes met, she dropped a bucket of water, which she had previously carried somewhere with a quick step, and she froze in place. Wang Han walked over to her.
"What are you? Did you see a ghost?" he asked casually, but she did not answer.
"Prince Wang Han!" He heard a voice from afar and...
He saw her.
It was Heonui. How she had changed, and at the same time, how she appeared all the same before him! The same black clothes, but no longer layered ladies', but almost like a village groom's outfit — heavy boots, all in horse dung, soiled a wrinkled long skirt, ruffles and collars were hidden by a hollow jacket, although sewn by someone of her circle, nevertheless as if in a peasant manner. There was also no Chinese hairstyle, which she loved so much — her thick hair was braided into a simple braid, which, from long work, was dishevelled and uncoiffed. But how charming she was! Even without a smile, even in her usual grief, which, as Wang Han noted to himself, has not gone anywhere, even in her detachment! How he missed her!
"Prince Wang Han!" she called again, already approaching. He was in a hurry.
Mimi, at that moment, hurried to hand Heonui a bucket with the rest of the water and ran away.
"Mimi? Mimi! What are you—" the Princess began, but Wang Han interrupted her.
"Lady Heonui... How I missed you!" he confessed almost in a whisper, his eyes greedily reveling in her presence.
She bowed.
"Why did I find out about your wedding only now from my father?" she asked him, catching her breath, but without giving him an answer, she suddenly whistled somewhere in the direction of the West.
Wang Han widened his eyes in surprise, not finding how to behave.
A groom came out to them — young, impudent in his years, he did not know either decency or nobility. He did not bow to the Prince.
"Bring us two horses, shall you," Heonui asked, and the peasant immediately left.
Wang Han finally found his voice and muttered:
"What a pride!" he nodded towards the stables. "Another time, I would have hung him!" He smiled.
Heonui almost smiled. She was so pleased to see Wang Han! For a week, horses and this unmannerly groom were her only company, and now, here she was, standing in front of a tall, educated, and imperious Wang Han, who was dressed in the latest fashion. He hasn't changed. Or has he? Yes, of course, he must have changed! He did not write a single letter to her, and what they received spoke of a visit to report important news — only after all, this land is full of rumours, and everyone in the people knew and whispered about the wedding of Chenghuan and Wang Han.
"Shall we go for a walk?" Princess asked and, sitting down on one of the horses brought by the groom, who also, without unnecessary curtsy, disappeared.
Wang Han let out a chuckle, both at the groom's manner and at Heonui's suggestion, and in a second, he was saddling a magnificent white horse.
They set off. How wonderful it was for both of them to simply ride next to each other — without wasting time in empty conversations, without explaining anything — and it was so easy to ride horses into the depths of the forest.
It cleared up. Heonui stopped at the top of a steep hill, covered with wild flowers, as if they had mixed up where they should have grown, but because of that, they were even more beautiful in their grace and colour. Wang Han jumped off his horse and approached her.
Here, she stood before him after so many days and nights. Her face was as always beautiful and, as usual, sad. It only added to her spirit — earlier, how timidly she looked at him — and how boldly she now found his gaze, feeling that he was studying her!
"How were you, Your Royal Highness?" she asked.
"I… missed you," he answered. "I went alone to Wang Tae. Why did you leave me, Heonui?"
"Look over there, shall you," she pointed off into the distance, and he followed with his eyes. "Do you see those trees yonder? When I was quite small, Mother took me in that direction to collect cones. And I had so much fun, I cannot describe it for you to imagine the same enjoyment! I collected a full bucket, and everything was not enough for me! I collected the cones in her hem, and in my hem, and still, I could not have enough of them! Then, my mother assured me that the next day, we would come and pick up bumps again, but I did not seem to believe her. I wanted everything at once. Do you see what now? Take a good look at those firs. What happened to them? The tops are crippled ... The birds have left ... They are unrecognizable!"
Heonui sighed. Prince hesitated to speak.
"It is so like my life, Wang Han. I am like those trees. I was full of passion, I always wanted everything at once, and now you do not recognize me — it is my soul that is crippled. I hate to look now even in that direction."
"Heonui..."
"Do not comfort me, I beg! Why did not you write to me? What did I leave?
"I have always written to you, daily!"
"When is that, I dare to ask?"
"You are confusing me. I wrote constantly, but you so coldly refused to visit me!"
"What are you saying?" Heonui looked at him incredulously.
Wang Han frowned.
"Mimi answered me always. And only when I informed you about this visit, your parents answered me. I do not understand… I thought you decided to be alone and angry at me, but I still did not understand why you did not come to your brother."
Heonui faded.
"About my Wang Tae, it is true. I decided not to go to him. I was not supposed to — he constantly came to me — every night. Driving me crazy, without saying a word, he just stood before my eyes. I did not hear his voice anymore, and I was glad for that. His voice was a howl in my soul. His words tore my heart to pieces, and therefore, just looking at his ghost is enough for me."
"Heonui, what are you saying again…"
"It doesn't matter, dear Wang Han. When is your wedding?
"In August."
"What did you come for?"
"To ask for your blessing."
"Why would you? Who am I to—"
"You are Heonui," he interrupted her, trembling all over.
Her gaze became cold and indifferent.
"Then I do bless you. Chenghuan is a rare beauty and a wonderful couple for you. I think you are scared that Wang Tae did not have to enjoy happiness and a long family life with heirs, but you will. So, I tell you on his behalf — good luck with your move. I give a full blessing on your marriage on behalf of your brother."
She turned abruptly and mounted back onto her horse.
"Heonui," whispered Wang Han, but she, spurring her horse a little too hard, rushed towards the house.
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