Author's notes: A requested oneshot from farrah84. It took me some time, but I did it ! Hope you will like it ;D

Request: This is a two-shot about Lili becoming or at least trying to be the matchmaker of Soo-won and Yona.

Disclaimer : I don't own Akatsuki no Yona, the characters or even the picture even if I would love to ;D

Inquiring a King's Feelings - Oneshot Part 1/2

"Lili, we received a letter from the Castle. The King has summoned you and requires your presence in two days. Ramal, Tetora and Ayura will go with you." That's what her father had told her three days ago.

She was now standing in the largest library of the castle, patiently waiting for King Soo-won to come. When she first saw and entered the room, she was impressed by its size. She had never seen a library this big, not even her own was this size and it was well known that Lady Lili loved reading, much like her father. Her own private library was already considered big by her father and the ladies in waiting from Suiko, but this one was on a completely other level of big. She took the oportunity to walk around the room and look at numerous books titles. Sometimes she let her finger trace the spine of the books on the different bookshelves made of dark grey wood. So many books and knowledge, she thought.

There was so many of them, and even though she had had only a quick glance, she knew a large range of topics were covered. She had seen some books about the History of Kouka and other countries' History. Others gathering informations about foreign customs and traditions. Some about war and weapons, others about culinary or dance, there was also fictional stories, they weren't numerous but myths were also a part of this library, and so many others. It would be an endless list if she were to write down every subject the library books contained.

A soft knock on the door and sound of a creaking door made her emerge from her reverie. She turned to see Soo-won enter the library.

"Good afternoon Lady Lili, how was the ride from Suiko ?" he greeted her.

"Good afternoon Your Majesty. The ride went well, there were no incidents on the way to come here." she greeted back and bowed. Here he is at last, I'm patient but making me wait so long kind of put me in a bad mood.

"I see, I'm glad to hear it."

There was a brief but awkward silence during which he looks at her like he's expecting something.

Am I supposed to say anything here ?

"Do you like the library Lady Lili ?"

Eh ? What's with that question ? Wait... did he-

"Your Majesty, I told you a few months ago not to call me Lady Lili, it feels weird." she says sulking a little at the title Soo-won used.

"Ah, my apologies, it just slipped. So, Lili-sama is the library to your liking ?"

"It is an impressive library, I have never seen anything like that. I am sort of jealous, I would love to own this library." she admitted and Soo-won slightly laughed.

"You are welcome to read anything during your stay at the Castle." he said, looking at the tall bookshelves filled with publications gathered over centuries.

"Oh, speaking of my staying here, why did you need to see me Your Majesty ? I was surprised when I heard you had sent a letter to invite me to stay over at the Castle." She asks, her curiousity suddenly lit.

Soo-won looks at her and raises an eyebrow in confusion. "What ?"

"What, what ?" she says as confused as the King. "You did send a letter saying you wanted to see me three days ago right ?"

Soo-won eyes constrict a little and he slightly tilts his head to the side. "Um.. no ?"

"No ?" she repeats before finally understanding what was going on. "...Of course you didn't... argh that damn father of mine !"

"Ah I see." he says, remembering General Joon-Gi's previous attempt at persuading him to marry his daughter. "It looks like your father is quite keen on the idea of me taking you as my consort."

Lili sighs "I'm sorry Your Majesty, pay no attention to that old man schemes." She then looks at him and frowns.

"Ahaha, don't worry. I find it quite funny actually." he says with honesty.

"Funny? Why ?"

"Well you look absolutely against it and look so disguted that the sole idea of you and me together makes me want to laugh."

"I know right ?!" she says and laughs too.

"So, what will you do ? Return to Suiko or stay a little ?"

"I think I will stay a little and explore this library if you don't mind."

"I don't mind, you are welcomed to stay as long as you want. Well then I will leave you to your exploring, I will be studying one of the books here, call me if you need anything."

"Thank you Your Majesty."

"Don't mention it." he replied before going to the back of the room, taking a book about war strategy and sitting at a pale wooden desk.

Lili starts to rummage among the many books, and after what must have been five or ten minutes later, her eyes landed on a book she would never have thought to find here. It was a book about love and seduction.

Well, why not start with this one ? It seems interesting.

Lili took the book and sat a the nearest desk to study the newly found material.

A few hours passed and it was almost dinner time. Soo-won stretched, throw his head back in the emptiness, and looked at the ceiling before hearing the sound of a page being turned. Soo-won was surprised and looked at Lili.

What is she reading?

Soo-won stood then walked quietly behind Lili and looked above her shoulder to get a look at the book she was so absorbed in.

Hmm weird, I don't recognize this book. Is it because I have never read it then ?

"Lili-sama." he calls her trying to get her attention. But she doesn't move, nor does she replies.

"Lili-sama ?" Again, no reaction. Soo-won bends down a little, and his head is beside hers. He tries calling her a little louder. "LILI-SAMA, CAN YOU HEAR ME ?"

Lili screams and abruptly jumps from her chair, the book she had been holding falls to the ground.

She looks at him wide eyed, him at her.

"Y-Your Majesty ! You scared me !"

"Ah... my apologies Lili-sama."

"D-did you need something from me Your Majesty ?" she asks, her heart still beating fast after being scared.

"Oh, no" he says waving both of his hands before him. "I was merely curious. I was actually wondering what book you were reading, you looked really engrossed in it."

That's it ? He's only curious ? Argh ! Idiot King, scaring me like that !

Lili picked up the book on the floor and showed it to him, before speaking. "It's a book about love and seduction." she said blushing a little.

"Love and seduction... Lili-sama is there someone you would like to seduce ?"

"What ?"

"Is it General Geun-tae ? I thought I told you he was-"

Lili didn't let him the time to finish. "OF COURSE NOT !"

"I wasn't reading it for me, but for Yona !" she counters, and Soo-won freezes at the hearing of her name.

Lili wide eyed realizes the mistake she made and covers her mouth with her hands.

What have I done ?! Not only did I say her name in the Castle when His Majesty warned me not to, but I also said her name so loud ! What if someone heard me ? she panicked.

"I-"

"It's almost time for dinner. We should go, it was arranged that we will dine together, please follow me." Soo-won said in a strained voice after a long, tense silence. Lili nodded and without saying another word followed the King to his private dinning room.

His face darkened when I talked about Yona I'm sure of it, and was that pain I saw in his eyes ?

...

"Mm, tonight's dinner looks delicious as well" Soo-won says, slightly smiling. Normally he would be more enthusiastic. Dinner was his favorite time of the day, he could enjoy a delicious meal without any care in the world, without anyoneto disturb him or his thoughts. But today was different, the Water Tribe General's daughter was with him and she had mentionned a topic considered taboo. Yes, today was different, and he knew he wouldn't be able to enjoy his meal like he usually did.

After taking a look at the dish before him, he looked up and saw Lili stiffen when his eyes landed on her.

"Please Lili-sama relax, you'll make me feel bad otherwise."

"Y-yes" she replied still uncomfortable at the situation.

"Is dinner to your taste ?"

"Oh..uh yes."

Looks like she won't relax anytime soon. This is really awkward. Soo-won felt like he was suffocating.

"Tsae-Yin" he called and a young man with blond silky hair tied in a high ponytail and plum coloured eyes entered the room.

"Yes Your Majesty ?"

"Could you bring us some liquor ?"

"Yes, of course." he replied and exited the room before coming back a few minutes later with two small teacups and different bottles of liquor and wine set down on a silver tray.

"Thank you Tsae-Yin, you can go back." The servant bowed and exited the room, he was off-duty tonight and had every intention to enjoy it to its best.

Soo-won sighed, the atmosphere was heavy and Lili didn't seen to be at ease either.

"Lili-sama, would you like to taste some liquor ?"

"Oh um, well why not ?" she said and handed one of the teacups that were on the tray. Soo-won took it and filled it, then took the other cup and filled it with the same liquid.

They both drank as they ate dinner.

...

An hour or so later, both of them had had several drinks. Lili's cheeks were slightly red, and Soo-won was smiling for no reason. They weren't drunk, but a few more drinks and they would definitely be. The previous tension of the room was no longer here thanks to the alcohol.

Lili wanted to talk about Yona. It was clearly a topic the young King avoided at all cost, but she was pretty sure Soo-won still cared for her, otherwise why would he look so hurt when she said her name ? She wanted to talk about it with him, but didn't dare. That's why she was surprised when Soo-won talked about it.

"Earlier in the library you said you were reading the book for Yona, why ?"

The room was silent for a few seconds that seemed to last an eternity

"...You want me to reply honestly ?"

"Yes."

"When we met, after she saved me we became friends and after some time we came to talk about you."

"Me ?" he says looking surprised.

"Yes. And before I continue, I want you to know that I more or less know what happened that night. Don't give me that scary look Your Majesty, anyone can guess what happened, but that's not what I want to talk about."

Soo-won nods to to encourage her to continue. He didn't know why he did that, maybe because of the alcohol, maybe because he needed to talk but that was unlikely, maybe because he wanted to know what they said.

"I learned that she was in love with you." Soo-won can feel his heart ache. Yes Yona was in love with him, that's the correct tense.

"You see I thought Yona hated you, that she wanted to kill you." Soo-won's eyes closed.

Of course she does, I shoved a sword into her father's heart right in front of her, I lied to her for years and betrayed her right after she told me she loved me. Hating me, wanting to kill me that's only normal. He thinks as he remembers the fateful night and the time he met Yona in Awa, when she tried to take his sword.

"And you see she admitted that there was a time she thought about getting revenge. But she never wanted to kill you, never wanted you to die even thought she don't think she can forgive your act."

"What ?" Soo-won says almost inaudibly. How can that be ?!

"You perfectly understood me. What I saw in her eyes was not hatred but sadness and great loss, the loss of a loved one. She also said she wanted to understand you the way she never had. Your Majesty, do you understand what it means ?"

That's impossible, even Yona can't be that kind to her father's murderer ! I am no fool. She hates me and I am perfectly aware of it.

"Why are you telling me all this ? How is that related to the book you were reading ?" his eyes were cold as ice.

"In the book I saw there were several chapters about the symbolic of presents given by a man to a woman. The different types of presents, their meaning." she said as she remembered a passage of the book.

' Among the many posibilities of presents given to a woman, few have a deep/real meaning. That is why a man has to be careful of the present he whishes to give to a woman as it will convey his feelings.

Depending on the rank the young lady belongs to, the present must be appropriate and represent her title. Every present can not be given to anyone, nor can everyone afford every type of present. For example, you shall not give something you would give to a woman from lower rank (common citizen) to a lady. It could be found insulting. There is however some exceptions to this rule.

If there is a deep bond involved between the young lady and young man (no exception for any rank), presents can have different forms as long as the feelings of the man are put into it. In other words, gifts do not have to represent the rank of the lady.

For a noblewoman if there is no previous deep bond between the two people concerned, it is common knowledge for a man to offer something simple such as flowers, speciality from their hometown/country or writing letters to show he is interested in the woman and wishes to further their relationship (Letters can be considered as presents depending on the personnality of the person receiving it - remember that not every Lady will like it, so it has to be used with caution).

Jewelry, clothes and hair-accessories can be offered only when two people know each other very well (great friends), between family members, during courtship or when a couple is married. Please note that it isn't considered appropriate to give those presents to a woman that you just met. It will often be seen as improper, and most people will think the man wants to take the Lady to his bed without any care for propierty. That is why choosing the right present is so important.

As for the meaning of presents (in seduction), they are divided in three categories: The first is to show the person of your choice you are interested in him/her. The second is the desire to become closer to that person. The third is to convey your strong feelings (friendly speaking) or romantic feelings towards that same person.

[...]

For the third category, giving jewels, clothes and hair accessories is often and strongly recommended as these presents have direct contact with the body of the loved one. Heart and mind (also known as soul) can not be dissociated when it comes to love, that is why offering a necklace or a hairpin should be given with the proper feelings. In ancient times jewels and hair-accessories were also used to show other people that the person wearing your present belonged to you heart, body and soul. In our time offering jewels and hair-accessories can also mean a desire to stay near the person involved. For example, when a war is starting and a woman's husband has to leave for the battlefield, it is well-known that the wife often give her husband one of her necklace, bracelet, or pin implicitely saying - I am always with you, even if we are not together and no matter how far you are- '

...

"That's what the book said." Lili said, looking straight at the King.

"... So ?"

'So ?' Is that all he has to say ?! Even though he looks so lonely, so hurt whenever he hears Yona's name ?!

"How can you say that like you don't care ?! Like you don't care about her, when you're obviously hurting ! Stop pretending !"

"Lili-sama, that's a dangerous path you're walking down.." he warns, trying his best not to growl.

"Your threat does not scare me Soo-won-sama." she says calmly.

"Look, Yona is my friend and I want her to be happy. Don't you want to see her happy too ?!" That was enough, Soo-won had had too much.

"Of course I do ! She was my friend too ! But there's nothing I can do for her to be happy anymore !" he snapped at her making her gasp.

"I say this because Yona obviously doesn't hate you and from what I read in this book and the face you made earlier, I assume you also love her. And I think you should talk to her, before it's too late and you regret it even more than you already do now.

"Yona... she still has that hairpin, the one you gave her." she says, looking straight at him.

Soo-won stays silent and looks at the floor, his heart clench at the memory of Yona keeping his hairpin after so long.

He re-filled his cup with liquor and emptied it in one gulp. "... I know."

I'm the one responsible for chasing her, for breaking her heart, for hurting her.

"When you offered her that hairpin, you wanted her to keep it as a reminder of your deep friendship. You wanted to stay at her side, close to her.. through that hairpin, am I right ?"

Soo-won slowly nodded.

His eyes were brimming with tears. "I wasn't supposed to fall in love with her." he whispered. "I thought I would always see her as a little sister, as one of my best friends, as family. But fate is cruel and decided otherwise."

Soo-won didn't know what to say anymore, he felt as if one of his battle strategy had been discovered by the ennemy army before the battle. His heart ached even more. And for the first time since a long time he was scared. He had just told Yona's friend how he felt about her.

"Soo-won-sama, please meet with her. I'm not telling you to meet her right now, but when you feel ready you should do it. I know she misses you." she says as she put her hand on his shoulder in an attempt to comfort him.

"-miss- er" he murmurs.

"Eh ?"

"I miss her too." Soo-won admits, and tears make their way down his cheeks. Lili opens her arms and hug him.

"I should never have done that. Why did it turn out like this ?" he whimpers, his voice is full of regret and pain.

That's it for part one ;D