C H A P T E R F I F T Y F O U R
There was something special about fall.
It was the only season in which Hayoon could freely walk without worrying about the weather. While winter was too cold, fall was just right. Both the temperature and view was such a blessing. A shame Han's garden was only presented with bare trees, the petal of the blossom tree has long abandoned the branch, leaving the tree exposed for the wind's touch.
Taking in the view Hayoon was caught in her own circle of thoughts, too absorbed, that she didn't even notice the appearance of another visitor.
"Her highness," the deep voice greeted her. Hayoon turned to face the prince, her brows drawn together, causing a few lines to appear.
"Why is it that you always call me her highness?" Her eyes narrowing at Han.
"You call Gwan for Gwan, Ailee fo Ailee even Huai is referred by her name why don't you call me by name?"
"Ailee is of family, Gwan is of servant and princess Huai is also of same status as me. Her highness is a ruler of a country, I can't be disrespectful." His answer always so annoyingly reasonable.
"So the person in front of you is only a ruler of another country?"
Disappointment filled her eyes. Hayoon wasn't sure why but she kept comparing herself with the other people around Han. The way he treated her, the way he treated others all that kept seizing up and kept her bottled inside. She knew it was immature and childish but at the same time she couldn't really keep those bad thoughts away.
"While parents put deep thoughts into giving their child a name, all this seems useless as status would overshine the person," Her eyes turned to the ground.
"When it comes to everything, all what people remember would be the status and achievement and not the person itself,"
Her words brought his thoughts to wander. Han never thought that a name would held so much meaning, if any maybe he had tried to forget it.
"In Kang, what does the characters Hayoon stand for?" Han asked.
"Ha as in river, Yoon as for sunlight."
The river of sunlight. Clearly the former king had put much thought in giving her that name. Honestly, It made Han quite envious.
"I guess her highness is right. Parents do put much thoughts into chosing the name of their child. Even by the name you can tell how much the person is cherished. Boys terrible inferior to girls,"
"You are claiming that boys are inferior to girls? " Hayoon turned at Han, suspicion lifted her brow.
"Her highness is an example and Ailee too is a living proof. While the name is filled with affection and love the prince's name only stand in shame."
"How so?"
"Ailee's name is brought up after much consideration. Ai stands for love and lee meaning special. Even the Dowager's maid Yan Lin is given the name of two syllable, while us princes should be grateful to be given a single meaningful character Hyun, Sin, Min, Won.."
Turning the table with his good talking skills, for sure his argument quite convincing.
"You are right and Young too is also one syllable," Hayoon added, knowing very well what feeling she would inflict the prince.
"Young?" Han questioned.
"Young, as in Ki Young,"
The dissatisfaction the name brought upon the prince's face was Hayoon ever so delighted. Indeed, it didn't seem like a peaceful day was possible without mentioning the person of all problems.
"What does Young stand for in Great Yong?" Hayoon said, pushing further.
"My skills in literature is lacking. Her highness should ask Ailee for that." Han replied.
His fast answer was slight suspicious, making it appear as if he didn't even try to remember the character of Young.
"Does his highness really not know or pretending not to know?" her tone slight playful.
Han awkwardly coughed, his eyes wandered elsewhere than Hayoon.
"Guess, I'll have to bother princess Ailee then."
As Hayoon pretended to make her leave the prince blocked her path as to prevent her from going. It was the first time Hayoon had ever seen such a twisted expression on Han's face. Was he really that easy to bully?
"Among the many character Young is likely deriving from the character of courage."
Seeing him suddenly turning competitive Hayoon wondered if he didn't want her to leave?
"What about Gwan?" Hayoon questioned, her smile grew wider as she kept challenging the prince.
"Official, " Han answered immediately, proving his fluency in literature.
"Then... Sin?"
"Delightment"
"Min?"
"Intelligence"
"Ki?"
"Miracle"
"Han?"
"Resentment"
As the word was said Hayoon found herself speechless. The triumphant smile gradually disappeared under the veil, while her eyes fell into the dwell of confuse. Never in her wildest imagination had she thought that someone could give their child a name that presented such sadnesss. In what state of mind would any parent rely on such a meaning to call their child?
If she had the chance to undo things, this was surely one she would change. Hayoon wished she hadn't brought this up, she wished she didn't have to witness his sad expression which she was the source to.
"Aren't you too confident in answering so quick," Hayoon said softly, feigning ignorance to the saddening reality.
"Seems like his highness hasn't read enough books. I better look it up myself."
Han, who had remained silent was suddenly brought back to life. He grabbed Hayoon's hand, drew her back as she was about to leave. Pulling her to his embrace, Han wrapped his arm around her upper part. As if embarrassed he didn't have the face to look at her. To prevent her from leaving the prince could solely rely on a hug while keeping his face hidden for her eyes.
"Young do stands for courage," Han purred to her ear. "You can trust me on that." His voice held nostalgic, making Hayoon feel slight guilty for even bringing up this topic.
"You aren't comfortable in calling people by their name?" Hayoon said, barely audible. The guilt tuning her tone to lowest measure.
"For awhile it was the case."
"Then... should I stop calling you by name?"
"No," Han said subtle.
"Your word 'his highness' bothers me more..."