Chapter 14: What I saw by the waterfall

Beta by evilteddybear ^_^

Yona exhaled softly, watching Soo-won and his guards vanish behind the rows of tents in the distance. "You'd think that after all he's done to me, it wouldn't bother me to hurt him." The wind shifted strands of hair into her face; she pushed them aside. "He needed to know. I couldn't have him still thinking there was any possibility of something between us."

"You're not someone who likes to cause pain, Hime-sama," Hak said quietly from beside her. "It doesn't matter whether they deserve it or not."

She glanced at him and saw the sad smile on his face. The hem of his robe fluttered in the breeze.

"Just like your father." His eyes regarded her softly. "Do you think King Il died that night hating Soo-won for what he did? I don't."

Chichiue. Yona drew breath against the sudden sting in her eyes. You won't get to see me on my wedding day. She nodded and blinked rapidly. Smiled back at the man who would soon be her husband. "Hak, what do you think about getting married in Fuuga?"

Hak drew close and wrapped an arm around her waist. She gasped a little as he pulled her against him.

He looked down at her and lifted a brow, studying her face. "I'd marry you anywhere, Hime. In Fuuga as happily as alone in the wilderness. Wherever you would like."

She splayed her fingers against his chest, feeling the steady beat of his heart through his robes. "When I lost everything, you and the Wind Tribe welcomed me and called me family." She smiled through the heat that tightened her throat. "I no longer have any family of my own. I thought it would be nice if I could borrow yours."

His arm drew her closer. He bent his head. She let her eyes flutter closed as he brushed his lips against hers tenderly. Then Hak exhaled softly, pressing his forehead to hers. "Everything I have is already yours, Hime. It always has been."

When he drew away, she looked at him, drinking in the smile on his face, warmed by his regard. "Hak—"

He took one of her hands in his and kissed her fingers, his eyes shifting to something behind her. "Ah. We should head back. Before we get in trouble."

Yona twisted in his embrace and saw Jae-ha standing nearby. She blinked, never having heard him approach. "Jae-ha."

The green dragon cleared his throat. "Yoon-kun would like you to know that lunch is ready. So if you're hungry, you should come now." A sly look sparkled in his eyes. "If not, don't blame him when Shin-ah eats it all."

Her eyes went wide. "Yoon cooked? You mean I don't have to eat another bowl of Wind Tribe gruel?" She slipped out of Hak's arms to follow Jae-ha back. "No offense, Hak," she said, glancing at him over her shoulder. "I don't think I could stomach another bowl of that stuff."

Hak sniffed and folded his arms as they walked. "Wind Tribe gruel is the epitome of nutrition for the healthy warrior. It's a perfect blend of protein, vitamins, and minerals so you'll always stay energized. It also prevents scurvy."

Yona rolled her eyes.

Back at the cooking fire in front of their tents, Yoon handed around bowls filled with a savory stew—fresh meat, vegetables, and a rich broth.

"Yoon, I missed your stew!" she said, eagerly wrapping her hands around the warm bowl. It smelled heavenly.

"Ehh, this?" Yoon ladled another bowl. "This is just something I threw together, you know." He frowned. "Raijyuu, you're drooling."

Hak accepted a bowl and dropped to the ground immediately. He drank straight from the side of the bowl.

What was all that about Wind Tribe gruel? Smiling, Yona sat next to him. She took a bite and hummed her delight. "Yoon, it's delicious!"

"Well, naturally," Yoon said.

She savored each spoonful, content to have Hak at her side and Yoon and all four of her dragons sitting around the campfire and eating together. How she'd missed this easy feeling. It loosened tight muscles and set her heart at peace. Now that the prisoners were on their way home, a layer of stress had left her. It had been there since the battle, but she only recognized it now in its absence. Not even one of those who had been injured had died. She thanked God for that.

Across the fire from her, Kija lowered his bowl. "Hime-sama, have you thought about what to do now? Will we remain with the Wind Tribe army?"

Yona tilted her head to one side, considering. "I think it's a good idea to stay close to them, going forward."

Beside her, Hak nodded. "We have to assume the Kai emperor will make other plans, now that you've thwarted his hold on the Sei, Hime-sama."

She blushed. "'We,' Hak. I didn't do that alone." She smiled at Yoon and her dragons. "It was all of you. Your strength gave me the courage to stand strong this time. Thank you, everyone."

Kija straightened, color lighting in his cheeks. "We follow you, Hime-sama."

"Hai hai," Zeno said, grinning.

Shin-ah, with the squirrel perched atop his head, nodded.

"It's beautiful the way you struggle to get stronger, Yona-chan," Jae-ha said from her right. He smiled at her.

"Even I'm proud of you, Yona," Yoon said.

Everyone. She blinked back a welling of happy tears. She felt the warmth of Hak's gaze on her. "For now though," she said, settling her bowl in her lap so she could push the liquid from her eyes. "There's something else. I want to see Ik-soo and then go to Fuuga. Hak and I are going to get married there."

Hak made a choking sound beside her. When she looked over, he was slurping down the last of his soup and getting to his feet. "Well, that was delicious," he said in a hoarse voice. "I'm off to find Tae-woo."

Yona frowned. "Hak, why are you leaving?"

He gave her a pointed glance and lowered his voice. "I'll come back when it's over."

She blinked at him. "When what's—" But he slipped away.

"Hime-sama…you're getting married?" Kija asked softly. "To…Hak?"

The sudden flatness of his voice gave her pause. All of the others were looking back at her with blank, shocked expressions. Kija's face clouded. When she met his eyes, the white dragon looked down at the bowl he held in his lap. A pang went through her.

Then Zeno flung his hands into the air, grinning. "Yay! We're going to have a wedding!"

Yoon exhaled loudly. "Well, it's about time. I can't believe it took the two of you so long to figure it out. And by the 'two of you,' I really mean you, Yona." He glanced at her aside. "I told you the moment we met, didn't I? That he was as devoted to you as a lover would be."

She dipped her head. Yoon was right. From the beginning, everything Hak had done for her, sacrificed for her, it was so much more than should ever be asked of a mere bodyguard. But she'd been blind to his affection, unable to see past her pain.

"Yona," Shin-ah said quietly. "Are you going away?"

Yona shook her head quickly. "No, not at all. I still want to protect the people of this kingdom with all of you at my side. That hasn't changed. I can't do that alone. Hak and I can't do that by ourselves."

Shin-ah's frame relaxed. He nodded.

Jae-ha rolled his shoulders, a thin smile curving his mouth. "Well, as long as it suits me, Yona-chan, I'm content to be a tool at your disposal."

She sucked in a breath, confused. "Jae-ha…"

The green dragon glanced at her askance, smiling sweetly. "I can't disobey the dragon's blood. I am in thrall to your will, my lady."

Her confusion grew. "I don't understand…" Was he…upset? Implying that she was just using him?

"—Stop it, Jae-ha," Kija said in a strangled voice. He didn't lift his eyes. "She doesn't deserve that. This…this has nothing to do with our devotion to Hiryuu-sama."

Jae-ha's face smoothed. "Kija-kun. This has everything to do with the dragon's blood. What you're feeling is only—"

"Stop it," Kija said, his voice bright with anguish. "My feelings for the princess have nothing to do with the dragon's blood and neither do yours. Why can't you just admit you're in love with her too?"

Yona blinked. Jae-ha? What?

The green dragon sighed. "I realize it's easier for you if you're not the only one, but really." He offered her a sly smile. "No offense, Yona-chan, but you're a little young and innocent for my tastes."

Yoon rolled his eyes. "Rokuryuu, stop being so dramatic—"

"Zeno thinks the Lass is cute, too!"

The clay bowl shattered between Kija's fingers; the others all fell silent. "Jae-ha." Kija's eyes flashed when he raised his head, his frame trembling. "I've seen the way you look at her when you think no one else is watching. When she and Hak are gone, you're always the one who finds some excuse to go after them. You—"

"What would be the point of admitting something like that now?" Jae-ha lifted a brow. "You knew this day was coming, Kija-kun."

Kija pressed his lips, his dragon hand and his human hand shaking. He curled them into fists. Glistening trails ran down his cheeks.

Cold spread through Yona's body. Kija, I never meant to hurt you.

Kija pushed the shattered remains of his lunch from his lap and knelt on his knees, bowing his face to the ground. "Hime-sama, I will always be your faithful white dragon. No matter if—if…"

Warm tears stung her eyes. Kija. She couldn't take any more of this. She pushed her bowl aside and got to her feet, circling the fire until she came to his side. There she knelt and laid her hands to either side of his head, gently lifting his face. His blue eyes shone with pain.

"Kija, I'm sorry," she whispered, brushing aside his tears. "I love you." She pressed her lips into a line. "…But it's not the same way I love Hak."

He trembled against her. "I—I know." He blinked and more tears fell. "I've always known. It—it hurts now, but my promise to you stands. Who you choose doesn't change my devotion to you, Hime-sama."

"Kija." She wrapped her arms around him, hugging him tightly as he sobbed against her shoulder. Wishing she could soothe his pain but there was nothing…nothing she could do.

At length, she heard the others moving about.

Zeno touched her shoulder. "Lass." He smiled at her. "Let Zeno."

She nodded and gently released Kija into Zeno's arms.

"There, there," the yellow dragon said. "Zeno will help you clean up, Hakuryuu." He helped Kija to his feet and the two of them moved away. Kija's shoulders shook. He sniffled as he walked.

Kija… Yona exhaled softly as she straightened and brushed at her robes. The front of her was damp with Kija's tears and his spilled stew.

Yoon started picking up the shattered pieces of Kija's bowl. He eyed her and sighed. "You should change, Yona. I have time to wash those before we leave."

With effort, she managed a small smile. "Thanks, Yoon."

Shin-ah went back to eating.

"Is it my turn to cry on your shoulder, Yona-chan?"

She turned slowly. Jae-ha was sitting with his chin propped against his palm and a smile on his face that she couldn't read. She tilted her head and lifted a brow, but couldn't figure him out any better from that angle. "You're not crying, Jae-ha."

He straightened and gracefully laid a hand over his heart. "Not where you can see it, perhaps. Ah, this tragic pain I shall carry within me all of my days."

She blinked at him. "Jae-ha, you've never once made me think that you—"

"Hak isn't the kind of man to be swayed from you, no matter how many lovelies surround him." Jae-ha lowered his hand and smoothly got to his feet, his navy robes falling fluidly into place. "It's a merciful thing you've made up your mind, Yona-chan. It isn't good for a man to constantly suppress how he feels." He smiled. "You're going to make a beautiful bride, my dear. As long as I have the honor of seeing that, I'll be satisfied." He picked up his empty bowl and hers and slipped past her. "Yoon-kun, I'll help you with the dishes."

"Ah. Thanks, Rokuryuu."

Yona watched the two of them gather up the remaining dishes and move off, no less confused.

"Yona…"

She turned to Shin-ah. He held out his half-full bowl towards her; Ao was perched on one of his hands. It was at least his second extra helping.

"Are you still hungry?"

Her heart was settled by his kindness. She smiled for real and knelt, covering his hands with hers around the bowl. The squirrel squeaked and darted up her arm to perch on her shoulder. "Nnn." She shook her head. "I'm fine, Shin-ah." She pressed his hands gently. "Your hands are still so warm. As long as I can hold your hand when I need to, I know everything will be OK."

The blue dragon smiled faintly and nodded.

-x-

Yona stripped off her outer robe in the tent she shared with Yoon and packed the rest of her things. Her tunic and breeches were still clean and she'd need them for riding. When she headed back outside, carrying the robe, Hak was waiting. Shin-ah was starting to tear down the dragon's tent.

Hak lifted his brows, eyeing the bundle in her arms. "Did someone throw food?"

She shook her head. "No, not exactly." Yona sighed. "Kija was upset."

"Of course he was. He's got a crush on you."

She pursed her lips. "I feel guilty enough, thanks. Is that why you left? Because you and Kija might've gotten into it."

Hak shook his head. "I'm a bigger man than that, Hime."

Yona quirked a brow. "Are you? The two of you fight like children."

"Not over this," he said. "I absolutely respect Kija's feelings. How could I blame anyone for loving you?" He lifted his hand and slid his fingers softly down the side of her face. "I'm just not willing to share."

A wave of warmth went through her. "Hak…"

He smiled. "I spoke to Tae-woo. He offered to send word ahead to Fuuga. So if there's anything you want, you should let him know."

She sighed softly, loving it as his fingers tangled into her hair. Her eyes slid closed and she leaned into his touch. "I want to ask Ik-soo if he'll do the ceremony. Other than that…" She shrugged, all of her limbs going liquid with a pleasant, drowsy sensation.

"Didn't you ever dream of your wedding day as a little girl?"

Yona stiffened, sucking in a breath. Of course I did. She was supposed to have a royal wedding at Hiryuu Castle with a huge crowd of all the five tribes and her father to give her his blessing. She'd planned every detail and imagined it countless times. –From the elegant way she would've worn her hair (up), to the vows she would've made, to the moment when the groom would've smiled at her and taken her in his arms, his pale green eyes filled with love for her—

Hak's hand stilled and dropped away.

"Hak—" She caught his fingers and squeezed them, looking up into the solemn expression on his face. "I don't want that dream anymore. I want this new dream with you. That's much more important to me than what music is played or what clothes we wear." She threaded her fingers through his. "I needed all of that last time, because it wasn't real. But now I just need you."

Hak drew a breath. His expression eased and a smile curved his lips. "Even so, I'd give you the world if you asked for it, Hime." His fingers curled warmly around her hand.

She smiled. "Just give me yourself and I'll be happy."

His eyes pulsed wide, then his eyelids slid low. "Hime." He tugged her against him, his gaze dropping to her lips.

Her cheeks grew hot. The look in his eyes sent her stomach into freefall.

"—Ahem!"

A growling sound came from Hak's throat as he pulled away.

A very unhappy Yoon was standing next to them, his arms folded and one brow twitching. "Yona, you're going to be doing your own wash if you keep dawdling."

She exhaled. "Sorry, Yoon." She handed over the bundle.

"Give Shin-ah a hand with the tents."

Hak folded his arms. "I can—"

Yoon glared at him. "You go ready the horses. We'll never get out of here if the two of you keep necking every time you're in arms' reach of each other!"

Hak made a face and wandered off.

Yona tilted her head to the side and blinked. "Neck-ing?"

Yoon sighed and scrubbed his face with one hand. "When did I become the mother of all you people?" He wandered away, muttering to himself.

She glanced at Shin-ah, who had paused in the midst of folding the tent. He shrugged and shook his head.

They broke camp that afternoon and headed east up the ridge and back into the mountains. Half of Tae-woo's cavalry led the way while the rest brought up the rear. Yona's horse, Song, took to the trail eagerly after being cooped up for several days. She felt a little out of practice, but Mundok's lessons came back quickly.

For three days, they rode at a brisk but not grueling pace. On the fourth day, they passed into Wind Tribe lands. Before the end of the first week, they made it through the Junrei-Shuuen Mountains and settled into craggy, wind-swept valleys. Each night, the fires in the distance from the Wind Tribe army got closer.

They caught up with the army at noontime on the ninth day, when the infantry had halted for a brief rest. A crowd of infantry swarmed the combined group, Heang-dea and Mundok among them.

"Ah, fearless leader," Heang-dea said, grinning. "You took all the action this time."

Tae-woo dismounted at the head of the group. "All what action?" He snorted. "There was hardly any of it."

Hak dropped down from his black horse and offered her a hand. She let him help her down, grateful to take a break from riding. When she went to pull her hand away, he gave her a sly look and didn't let her.

"Handily routing an enemy invasion isn't nothing, young buck," Mundok said, folding his arms.

"With the Thunder Beast involved, it might as well be," Tae-woo said.

Hak tugged her forward into the small circle within the larger crowd.

The Wind Tribe chief looked her way. "Not to mention it was the Princess who really carried the day." He smiled. "You should've seen her negotiate with the Sei king, Mundok."

Mundok's good eye pulsed wide. Yona felt a welling of pride. "We heard from your report," he said. He smiled at her. "But I would've loved to see it for myself."

Hak squeezed her fingers. "She forced Soo-won into a fair alliance with the Sei," he said to Mundok, but his eyes were fixed on her, bringing warmth to her cheeks. "She was amazing."

"Hak…" Her face was probably the color of her robes by now.

He grinned. "You were," he said and leaned close to kiss her brow.

Mundok sucked air loudly. "Hak! How dare you so casually touch the Princess!" Yona saw him reach for the whip that hung from his waist.

Hak looked back with a perfectly innocent expression. "What? How dare I do what to my betrothed?"

Silence fell over the immediate and larger group. Mundok looked like he'd just caught a bucket of cold water in the face. Yona suppressed a giggle. She'd never seen him stunned before. Many of the others stared at them with blank, shocked faces.

Heang-dea recovered first, grinning slyly at Hak. "Soooo, skipping the friend stage and going straight to lovers. Nice, mister."

Mundok whacked him on the side of the head. Heang-dea grimaced, dying sounds issuing from his throat as he slowly drooped and fell to the ground.

Tae-woo folded his arms. "You earned that one." He sniffed and raised his head. "Someone get this corpse out of my way!"

Two warriors approached and carried off the groaning Heang-dea. Tae-woo followed. As the crowd dispersed a bit, Mundok approached.

"Hime-sama," he said, looking at her intently, his good eye glistening. "You're really going to marry this uncouth grandson of mine?" His expression read pensive to her, like he was afraid to hope.

She smiled. "Yes, I love him. We want to get married in Fuuga. Mundok, would you…" She pressed her lips briefly to stop the rise of tears. It was with effort that she got the words out clearly. "Would you stand in my father's place?"

"Oh, now you've done it," Hak said.

She watched Mundok's face tighten, his left eye filling with liquid. His lower lip quivered as he drew a long breath. Somehow, Yona knew what was coming. She braced herself—

"Hime-sama!" Mundok wailed and threw his arms around her in a tight hug.

Hak chuckled. "Bawling like a baby."

As Mundok continued to sob, Yona threw Hak a helpless look. He just smiled and shrugged.

She exhaled and resigned herself to her fate. With her free hand, she patted Mundok's shoulder. "Uh, there, there." She felt Hak shake with laughter through their linked hands.

"That's the best you've got, Hime?"

She shot him a glare. "Zeno's the one that's good at this, not me. I'm always the one crying."

"No argument there." He looked off, scanning the army with a contented expression on his face.

She sobered when she saw and felt him stiffen. "…Hak?"

He drew a breath, his face smoothing. "Why are they here?"

Yona tried to follow his gaze, but she was too short to see. "Who?"

His grip tightened briefly on her fingers. "Old Man, why are there Shin officers with the army?"

She drew a breath. Shin?

Mundok quieted and pulled away. He cleared his throat and hastily wiped his face with a handkerchief. "An envoy from the new Shin crown. We were taking them with us to Soo-won until Tae-woo reported he'd headed back to Kuuto."

"What do they want?"

Mundok frowned. "They won't say. Their orders are to speak to the king." He looked at her. "The Shin crown—the military in general—is very strict on protocol, Hime-sama."

"When any mistake will get you killed and replaced, you'd better do what you're told," Hak said quietly. He gently loosed his hand from hers. "Wait here."

Yona shook her head. "No, I'm coming with you."

Hak inhaled, his face hardening as he looked at her. "The Shin aren't like the Sei, Hime. Your compassion won't move them."

She didn't back down. "Kouka is my country and its borders are my concern."

After several silent beats, Hak pressed his lips. "Fine. But you'll bring your dragons too."

-x-

The Shin envoy lounged on boulders beside the road, a short distance from the Wind Tribe army. Yona approached with Hak at her right and her dragons arrayed behind her. There were three of them—a woman and two men—dressed in black tunics and breeches, trimmed with gray. A far cry from the colorful garments the Shin refugees had worn. Banded styling at the wrists and ankles was similar to that of Wind Tribe warrior uniforms and like the clothes Yoon had made her. The woman had straight, dark hair that fell to her ear on the left side of her face and longer on the right—brushing her shoulder. Yona blinked at the three long black marks that curled from the edge of her jaw to half-way up her left cheek, their shape reminding her of talons. It didn't look like paint.

"Shin rank markings," Hak said quietly. "Three slashes makes her a lieutenant general—second in command to a general."

She glanced at the men—one was bald and one had close-cropped black hair. Both had unmarked faces. "She's in charge then?"

Hak nodded. "They're aides most likely."

Yona looked at their hands and sides. "I don't see any weapons."

"Right, you don't see any," Hak said.

A chill ran down her spine. She straightened.

Tae-woo and Heang-dea got to the group before she did. The Shin envoy rose to their feet as Tae-woo stopped before them and planted his spear, Heang-dea standing off his left. The woman stood at ease, flanked by her aides. Her eyes flicked over the Wind Tribe chief, who was slightly shorter than her.

"You are Tae-woo, leader of the Kouka Wind Tribe, are you not?" she asked, her voice cool and clear.

"I am," Tae-woo said. "Who do I have I the honor of addressing?"

"I am Lieutenant General Nae Kyung-hwa," the woman said. "I have the honor of serving Queen Tan Mi-jung of Shin."

"Yes, many congratulations to your Queen for her successful conquest of the iron throne."

The Shin officer dipped her head respectfully.

"How may I be of assistance, my lady?"

"I carry a message for the King of Kouka, from my Queen. I require escort."

"Granted," Tae-woo said. "I will escort you myself. From here it's a week's ride to the capital."

"My thanks, young lord," she said. Then she smiled. "I also carry a message for you, Tae-woo of the Wind Tribe. Straight from my lady's mouth." She drew her shoulders back. "'Bring me the Thunder Beast of Kouka,' she says."

Yona froze and nearly tripped over her own feet. The woman's eyes flicked her direction.

Tae-woo lifted a brow. "And what does she plan to do with him?"

"That she did not tell me," Kyung-hwa said. "Nor am I positioned to hazard a guess." Her smile broadened. "You have met her on the battlefield."

He pressed his lips into a line. "That's what worries me."

One of the Shin aides—the bald one—coughed slightly, saying something beneath his breath that Yona couldn't make out.

The blow was so fast she almost missed it, as the Shin officer spun and hooked her right hand into the aide's stomach.

The man doubled over and fell to his knees. "A—apologies, my lady," he said hoarsely, coughing.

Yona felt the blood drain from her face.

Behind her, Jae-ha made a soft noise of disapproval. "How un-beautiful."

The Shin woman folded her arms, looking down at the man kneeling prone. "Next time I will hit you where it shows."

He dipped his head so that his forehead touched the dirt. "Yes, my lady. Thank you, my lady."

The Shin officer turned back, lifting a brow. "Who is this woman who looks about to faint?" Yona pressed her lips into a line as the woman eyed her, Hak, and the dragons. Kyung-hwa loosened her arms and smiled faintly. "With hair the color of the eternal flames."

Yona lifted her chin and walked the last two steps to meet the Shin envoy. "I am Yona, princess of Kouka."

The woman's eyes pulsed wide. "And these four with you?" She studied the dragons—ignoring Hak, Yona noticed. "They smell of beasts and not of men."

"The same might be said of you, my lady," Jae-ha said, smiling.

Yona shot him an alarmed glare. What if the woman attacked him?

The woman's face smoothed, her gaze shifting from Jae-ha back to Yona. She sniffed and turned back to Tae-woo. "My lord, how soon can we be underway?"

Yona drew breath, stunned by the clear dismissal of her in the woman's look and manner.

Tae-woo pressed his lips. "Presently, my lady. I will make the arrangements and meet with you shortly."

Kyung-hwa dipped her head. "My thanks." She glanced Yona's way with derision. "Princess." Then she turned and strode away. Her aides, including the one who had been laid out, followed briskly in her wake.

Yona's hands curled at her sides, indignation flowing hot through her limbs. She waited until the trio was out of earshot. "What was that?"

Hak exhaled softly beside her. "Strength is all that matters within the Shin military, Hime-sama. You saw how swiftly she dealt with her underling. When you didn't do the same, she perceived you as weak."

She blinked at him. "I was supposed to strike him? Like she struck her aide?"

He shrugged. "Not necessarily. But berate him for talking out of turn? —At a minimum."

Yona snorted. "What a barbaric method of rule. I wouldn't do that even in jest."

Behind her, Jae-ha exhaled. "My sincerest apologies, Yona-chan. I couldn't help myself."

She turned. "I'm not mad at you, Jae-ha. I agree with what you said. I was more worried she might attack you for insulting her."

To that, the green dragon smiled. "I would have stopped her fist with my foot. You needn't worry about such things, my dear."

Yona exhaled.

Kija drew a tight breath, his face hard. He curled his dragon's hand to his chest. "Hime-sama, allow me to challenge that uncivilized woman to battle. This insult must not be ignored."

Beside him, Shin-ah nodded and wrapped his hand around the hilt of his sword.

Their offer softened the anger inside her. "Kija, Shin-ah." She smiled. "It's alright. Hak tried to warn me the Shin wouldn't be easy to deal with. I can't expect everyone to automatically love me." She rolled her shoulders. "Nor am I going to change myself to fit their expectations. I'm not going to play games like that."

Kija didn't exactly look pleased, but he exhaled and lowered his hand. After a beat, Shin-ah released his sword.

"The Lass has strength the Shin can't see," Zeno said, grinning.

"Not to mention beauty," Jae-ha said, flicking his hand airily. "I've never seen such a lovely woman with such horrid manners."

"Wait till you meet Mi-jung," Tae-woo said. He tapped his spear against the earth, frowning. "Hak, would Soo-won offer you, if that's part of what she's asking for?"

"In a heartbeat," Hak said. "He wants the Princess."

Tae-woo nodded. "I'll make sure he doesn't then. As soon as I find out what's going on, I'll let you know. It might be that it would be best for you—the two of you," he said, glancing at her, "to lay low for a while, afterwards."

Yona folded her arms. "Tae-woo, what are you talking about? We're coming with you to Kuuto."

Tae-woo blinked at her. She heard Jae-ha inhale sharply. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Hak stiffen.

It was then she realized what she'd just said. The implications of going to Hiryuu Castle instead of to Fuuga. Horror drained the feeling from her limbs. Her arms fell slack at her sides. "H-Hak, I…"

When she turned to him, she found him smiling pleasantly, his face shuttered and completely unreadable.

"If that's your wish, Hime-sama," he said.

It left her utterly cold. Hak— Going to Kuuto now would delay the wedding two weeks at a minimum, and that on top of the time already needed to visit Ik-soo and get to Fuuga in the first place. If this business with the Shin blew up into something like with the Sei or worse— Yona's throat went dry.

"Your Highness," Tae-woo said softly. "It could simply be an announcement of Mi-jung's ascension of the iron throne. The Shin are rather formal about such things."

"It could as easily be an assassination attempt," Hak said. "We can't discount the possibility that Mi-jung is in league with the Kai." He frowned. "Consider what Soo-won would do with a failed assassination attempt."

Tae-woo's face darkened. "…True." He drew a breath. "Well, I need to make the arrangements. If you're coming, we're leaving within the hour."

She managed to nod. He and Heang-dea left.

Hak was looking off into the distance, the wind sifting through his hair and fluttering his robes.

"Hime-sama…" Kija said softly.

Yona squeezed her eyes shut and forced the words out. "I'm sorry, everyone. Could you excuse us for a moment, please?"

She heard her dragons quietly move away. She swallowed hard. "Hak, I—"

"You're right to be worried, Hime," he said. "The Wind Tribe and the Shin may have agreed not to fight, but that doesn't mean we trust each other. There hasn't ever been a lasting alliance between our countries. The constant churn of their iron throne makes that impossible."

Yona opened her eyes and found that he hadn't moved; that his expression hadn't changed. Everything he felt was hidden to her, walled off. "Hak…" Why couldn't she get out anything more than that? Why couldn't she apologize or explain or ask him what he really thought?

A faint smile touched his lips. He exhaled. "I love you, Hime," he said. "I'd wait forever for you. What's a few more weeks?" He turned without quite meeting her eyes and headed back towards the rest of the army.

It hurt worse that he wasn't openly angry with her, that he even agreed with her. She stared at his retreating form, unblinking. Too stunned to cry. So this was what it felt like to choose between the people she loved and the man who would be her husband. This was the life that she would subject him to if they married; the life Chun-ja had told her to let him choose.

For the first time, she realized how brutal it all was. Soo-won pursued his goals for the kingdom without caring who he hurt or trampled along the way. She would never not care, but how could she stand to make choices—a lifetime of them—that would hurt the one she loved?

As she walked back to rejoin the others, a cold wind rustled her clothes. The shoulder of her robe was still damp from Mundok's happy tears. It's only a few extra weeks. Mundok would understand. As leader of the Wind Tribe for so many years under her father, he knew the obligations of serving the kingdom better than most. Better than she did. She'd spent almost her whole life brushing aside responsibility to pursue silly things. …But this isn't that.

A restless, agitated feeling stirred inside her as she walked. Yona stopped, pressing a hand to her chest and feeling the pulsing of her heart. Unease settled in her stomach. She curled fingers that wanted to fidget, frowning. If going to Hiryuu Castle and dealing with the Shin was the right thing to do, why didn't she feel peace about it? She closed her eyes and tried a deep breath, letting it out slowly. The wind sifted through her hair, but the pause brought her no relief.

Yoon was walking towards her when she opened her eyes. The sandy-haired bishounen wore a look of mild irritation.

"Yona, what are you doing?" He stopped in front of her, folding his arms over his tunic and scarf. "You need to come back and eat something before we go."

She gave herself a shake and forced a smile. "I know. I'm coming. Sorry."

Yoon frowned, peering into her face. "Ehh. What's bothering you?"

She pressed her lips into a line. I promised Hak… She drew a breath. "It's OK, I—"

"Baka." Yoon snorted. "If you're upset, maybe it's because you don't really want to do this."

"Huh?" She blinked at him.

He rolled his eyes skyward. "Honestly. You're pretty dense sometimes, you know that? If you don't want to go to Kuuto then let's not." Yoon loosed his arms and shrugged. "Who's saying you have to?"

"Well, no one, but—"

He exhaled. "If you're really concerned about what Soo-won might do, then that's one thing. We were all there in Kin Province. None of us is going to question you for worrying about what could be a real threat. But what do you want, Yona?"

She drew a breath and let it out slowly. "I wish it was as simple as choosing what I want," she said. "But it isn't. I know so little about the Shin."

"That's fair. I'm sure Mundok could tell you all about Kouka's history with the Shin."

"Yes, and I'll ask him. But…" She thought of Ik-soo. They were supposed to be headed to see him, to seek his blessing and ask if he would come to Fuuga to marry them. Ik-soo. She thought of his gentle kindness and her eyes burned with the beginnings of tears. "I want to talk to Ik-soo. Not to have him tell me what to do—I know he won't do that. But because—because…" Because before I speak, he already knows. It's like he sees what I can't.

Yoon smiled. "So let's go. It's on the way, regardless of your decision, right?" His expression smoothed as he looked away, northward. He frowned. "Besides, by now he's probably passed out on the floor of his house, dying slowly of blood loss. …Or starving to death." Worry creased his forehead. "We should hurry. Come on." He grasped her arm lightly and tugged.

Yona nodded and went with him.

After Tae-woo left with the Shin envoy, the army moved on. They camped on a rocky plain for the night; Yona broke from them at dawn the next day. They rode north into the mountains that split the territories of the Wind, Sky, and Fire Tribes. Fuuga was visible—a fortress riding on the clouds in the east—before they descended deep into the river valley and arrived at Ik-soo's place as the sun was setting on the third day.

Zeno and Yoon led the way with Yona riding behind them. From far off, she could see Ik-soo waiting for them, standing in front of the small house where he lived. She caught on the air the mouthwatering smells of fish roasting over a fire and freshly baked bread. The priest looked…fine, actually. His pale blond hair was falling ragged in his eyes and his white robes were worn and dirty, but it was a far cry from Yoon's worries. He greeted them with a smile.

Yoon slid down from Zeno's horse. "How is it that you look normal?"

Ik-soo laughed sheepishly. "Ahhhh, Yoon-kun." He scratched his head with a hand that was poorly bandaged.

"What did you do to your hand?!" Yoon grabbed the priest's arm.

"Ehhh, it's just a little burn."

"Just a little— Bah! You dumb priest! One of these days I'm going to come back and find you…" Yoon hauled Ik-soo into the house.

Hak appeared at her knee. "Hime-sama." He offered her his hand, smiling.

"Hak." His eyes held an easy warmth for her, but she was beginning to recognize that expression. She'd seen him wear it for years and never realized until recently it meant he was holding his own feelings in check, whatever those feelings might be. Guilt threaded through her, as it had several times over the last few days. She pressed her lips briefly and let him help her down.

Once she was settled on her feet, he took the reins from her hands. "I'll see to the horses."

"…Thanks." She watched him leave, leading the horses one by each hand.

Zeno leapt down from his horse. "Yay! Food!"

Jae-ha sighed, following. "Zeno-kun, drooling is not very lovely."

Kija and Shin-ah went by, leading the dragon's horses. "Hime-sama, you look tired," Kija said, pausing as he passed her. "You should rest."

"…Hai." She was tired. Emotionally, physically. She hadn't slept much since meeting the Shin envoy. She nodded and followed Zeno and Jae-ha into the house.

The interior of the small, thatched roof home was messy but not the disaster it had been last time. Enough fish and loaves to feed all of them were arranged haphazardly on cooking grills near the fire pit. Herbs hung drying from the roof. Utensils, bedding, and dishes were scattered everywhere.

Yoon had Ik-soo sitting on the raised wooden floor and was applying medicine to the burns on the priest's hand. "You're so helpless," he said, scowling.

Ik-soo was smiling happily.

Zeno sat by the food, wiggling his fingers towards one of the roasting fish.

Jae-ha grabbed his arm, pulling him away. "Chores first, Zeno-kun."

"Awwwww."

Yona smiled faintly and bent to gather an armful of dishes.

Once the house was straightened and swept, they sat outside in the early twilight and ate together. The bread was fluffy and sweet; the fish was salty and melted in her mouth.

She remembered accepting a second plateful, then things got fuzzy. The next thing she knew, she was in Hak's arms as he carried her into the house.

"Hak?" She curled her fingers into the fabric of his robes.

"You've been nodding off for the last hour, Hime-san," he said. He gently laid her down on a sleeping mat.

"But I—" a yawn cut her off. She blinked drowsily. "I want to talk to Ik-soo."

His warm fingers brushed the hair from her forehead. "In the morning," he said. He bent and kissed her brow.

She hummed her protest, but really, she was too tired to argue. Her eyelids felt heavy. She curled up under the blanket he draped over her. "Hak, I love you," she said—or thought she said. She was fast being pulled down into slumber.

His hand squeezed hers. "I love you too, Hime." His soft words chased her into sleep.

-x-

Yona woke before dawn. The house was quiet and the cooking fire was cold; the smoky smell of last night's meal hung in the air. Soft moonlight scattered inside through the open doorway. She sat up slowly, careful not to disturb Yoon sleeping on one side of her or Zeno on the other.

The yellow dragon rolled over. "Mmm, meat buns…" He was drooling in his sleep.

The rest of her dragons slept on the other side of Zeno; she could hear their soft, shallow breathing. Hak slept—or at least appeared to be asleep—sitting up against one of the beams that supported the roof. Ik-soo's sleeping mat was empty.

Yona crawled from the bedding and slipped quietly from the house.

The early morning sky was clear and studded with fading stars. She'd missed the sight, having spent so many nights under overcast skies in the Water Tribe's territory. The stars made her think that the heavens were looking down upon her, bearing witness to all that she did. Not forgetting about her like the rest of the country had after Soo-won had taken the throne.

She found Ik-soo by the waterfall, sitting cross-legged with his back to her, the wind lifting his short braid from his neck. The sound of the falls plunging into the pool below was calming and familiar.

"Good morning, Hime-sama," he said without turning. "Did you sleep well?"

"Very well," she said, coming to his side and dropping down to sit. "Better than I have in days."

"Mmm." Ik-soo dipped his head and smiled. "This is a peaceful place. I always find that my heart is settled here, even if all the world seems to be coming apart around me."

Yona hugged her knees to her chest. "You know, don't you? About how I confronted Soo-won at the castle, about how he tried to manipulate us, about how we joined up with the Wind Tribe army, and how we fought—how I fought and killed—the Sei."

"Even so, such things are not what truly weigh upon your heart, Hime-sama," he said, his voice gentle.

Warm liquid welled in her eyes. "I promised Hak we'd get married after dealings with the Sei were over, but now there's the Shin…" She blinked and small tears scattered to her cheeks. "It's never ending, isn't it? The demands of a kingdom. Maybe I can't…maybe I can't do this." Her lips quivered; she pressed them tightly. "How can I choose between the people of this kingdom and the man I love? Either way, I hurt someone."

"It's not an easy choice, Hime-sama. Your father put your safety ahead of the kingdom. You've seen firsthand how many people suffered because of that."

She nodded.

"The current king has done the opposite. He has sacrificed what he held most dear for the sake of the kingdom." He wore a solemn smile. "Neither position is always right, but it's also not always wrong. It's easier to walk in one extreme or the other. If you choose the harder way—to walk the narrow path of balance in between—you will find yourself on a road that's fraught with difficulty but also great reward."

Yona brushed away her tears. "By reward, do you mean…the prophecy? The coming of the dawn?"

Ik-soo tilted his head towards the rapidly lightening sky. "Prophecies don't control people's actions. Prophecies are living, changing things, because people make choices and choices deeply impact the course of the world. The dragon's blood may be tried and true, but the king, the sword, and the shield each choose their own destinies. If the sword and the shield do not awaken, it may be that the prophecy will move on to another generation."

She exhaled tightly, suddenly cold. "Are you saying that what I choose here and now could result in delaying the fulfillment of the prophecy?"

Ik-soo shook his head. "Hime-sama, what I'm saying is this: Don't make decisions based on a prophecy you can't control. It is never given to us to know what will happen in the future. We stand in the murky now and make our choices by what light surrounds us, but we never see the full picture." He turned his face towards her, smiling gently, his eyes still hidden by the ragged fall of his hair. "The depths of the heart are also hidden and so difficult to plumb. Sometimes the way to peace is to realize what you cannot live without, rather than trying to convince yourself of what you ought to do."

"What I can't live without…" she said softly.

Ik-soo got to his feet. "Well, I should leave the two of you to talk."

Yona blinked. "What?"

As the priest walked away, he tripped. Hak slipped out from behind a tree and caught him before he could fall.

Her cheeks warmed. How long had he been standing there?

"It's a wonder you don't have more bruises," Hak said.

Ik-soo laughed sheepishly. "Thank you for helping me, Hak-sama." He dipped his head and started off down the path.

Yona swallowed and got to her feet as Hak approached. The wind swirled the hem of his blue robes.

"You've been eavesdropping this whole time?"

"Ehhh." He scratched his head. "Yes," he said, stopping before her. "You can be mad at me, Hime."

Yona slowly shook her head. "This time, I wish you'd be mad at me." She drew a careful breath and met his eyes. "Hak, this won't be the only time I have to choose between you and the kingdom. Whether I convince Soo-won to give up the throne or not, the people will still have a place in my heart. This…" She pressed her lips into a line. "This is your choice too, you know. I won't be fair to you." Fresh tears filled her eyes, blurring her vision. "You deserve so much better than that."

"Hime…"

She inhaled raggedly. "I can promise you my fidelity, but I can't promise you a quiet or carefree life. If I take the throne, I can't promise I won't order you into battle someday. I can't promise you won't ever incur another injury because of me. There are so many things I can't promise you."

"Hime." He reached out, gently taking hold of her shoulders. "As you said, it's my choice, isn't it?" He lifted his brows and smiled. "When those times come, when the burden of the people is overwhelming, lean on me. When the enemy is too strong, trust me to protect you. When you are exhausted and can't stay awake another minute, let me carry you to bed." His warm hands squeezed her softly. "Do those things, Hime, and I will feel cherished. I will be satisfied."

Emotion closed her throat, hot and tight. "Hak…" She didn't deserve someone so wonderful. Love for him welled up inside her and poured from her eyes.

Hak cupped her face between his hands and smiled at her. "Let's delay the wedding until this is over," he said. "I don't mind waiting for you. I'd happily wait years to have you, if that's what's necessary." He leaned close and kissed her forehead as he thumbed away her tears. "If we leave today, we can still catch up with Tae-woo and the envoy before they reach Kuuto." His love for her was plain in his eyes as he drew away. "I'll tell the others." He released her gently and turned to go.

Yona drew a sharp breath, an unbearable surge of anguish rising inside her. It propelled her forward so that she crashed into him from behind. She wrapped her arms tightly around his waist.

Hak stilled. "H-Hime?"

She pressed her face into his back. "Don't. It's—it's like Ik-soo said. I can't control the future. I don't know what's going to happen. I have no way of knowing what will come from this business with the Shin." She sucked in a breath and choked back a sob. "…But it's always going to be this way. There's always going to be something important, something— If I wait until everything settles, we'll never… I—I don't want to live that way. I know it's selfish of me, but— But this time, I want it to be about us. Hak, let's go to Fuuga and get married now."

He exhaled raggedly. Hak spun within her arms. His hands fell to her waist and her feet suddenly left the ground.

She gasped, clutching his shoulders, looking down at the brightness of his eyes and the grin on his face.

"Hime, I will happily die of your love." He lowered her only far enough to kiss her, despite the mess she'd made of her face. Then he crushed her against him, her feet still dangling above the ground.

"Hak, I can't breathe—"

His arms loosened only slightly. He pressed his face into her hair, nuzzling her.

Yona blushed. "Hak…"

Someone pointed cleared his throat behind them.

Hak snarled and slowly set her back on her feet. "Go away, Droopy Eyes."

"Am I to assume you've decided to skip the wedding and consummate your love out here in the elements? Where anyone might wander by and decide to watch? How un-romantic."

Hak quirked a brow. "You won't be doing much watching after I punch you in the face."

Yona sighed and detangled herself from Hak's arms.

Jae-ha stood with his arms folded over his robes, smiling at her sweetly. "Good morning, Yona-chan. You're looking quite radiant today."

She made a face, feeling the tightness of her cheeks and the swelling of her eyes from her recent tears. "What are you saying? I look horrible."

"A woman in love is always beautiful," he said. "Have you decided what we're doing, my dear?"

Yona nodded. "We're going to Fuuga. I'm going to trust Tae-woo to handle this." She looked back at Hak. "Hopefully it won't take long. He's your friend. It would be nice if he can be there."

"By the time everything's ready, he could be back. If it's just a simple matter." Hak pursed his lips. "You may not realize what you've signed up for, Hime-san, once the elders' wives get wind that there's to be a wedding."

She smiled. "If they have fun with it, I don't mind. If it's simple or elaborate." She shrugged. "It's fine with me."

"So she says now," Hak said, lifting his brows.

Yona tilted her head. How bad could it be?

"In that case, Yona-chan, allow me to be of service." Jae-ha dropped to one knee before her, touching his hand to his chest. The wind sifted through the loose strands of his emerald hair.

"Jae-ha?"

The green dragon smiled. "Let me accompany Tae-woo to the castle. I can be his insurance, if you will. If things begin to go unpleasantly, I can whisk him away and carry him back to Fuuga within hours rather than days."

She drew a sharp breath. "But Jae-ha, if anything happened to you—"

He sighed softly. "Ah, that worried look on your face soothes the pain in my heart. Consider this my gift to you, Yona-chan. And don't be afraid. Remember the dragons' power is at its strongest at Hiryuu Castle."

Yona exhaled slowly. She knelt and grasped one of Jae-ha's hands between both of her own. "Just make sure you come back to me. You have to see me on my wedding day."

Jae-ha brought her fingers to his lips and kissed them. "It's a promise, my dear." Then he released her hand and straightened. Air brushed against her as he leapt into the sky, first to land on top of the waterfall. A second leap made him vanish from her sight into the pre-dawn darkness in the west.

She sat there still looking in the direction he'd disappeared, stunned by how quickly he'd up and left. It was a horrible feeling, losing one of her dragons, even temporarily.

"Huh," Hak said. "A week without Droopy Eyes." He smiled.

Yona pressed trembling lips.

Hak dropped his hand to her head, his fingers threading through her hair. "He'll be fine, Hime-sama."

She nodded. "I know."

"Do you want to head back?"

"…Yes." She pouted. "But I don't want to walk. Will you carry me?"

Hak chuckled and dropped down in front of her, offering his back. She looped her arms over his shoulders as he slipped his elbows beneath her knees.

When he lifted her and started to walk, she sighed and pressed her face against his hair. "You know wherever we end up, I want the dragons nearby."

His head bobbed as he nodded. "I'd never ask you to give them up, Hime. I'm not jealous of them. They're part of you."

She smiled, sweet warmth welling up in her breast. She closed her eyes and relaxed against him. "Hak, I love you."

He paused and she felt it through his back, the way he inhaled and exhaled slowly. "Hime, I love you, too," he said. He pressed a kiss to her arm and then carried her back to the house just as the sun crested the eastern horizon.