Chapter 26: I set you free – He had given up so much for her and she could, at last, return the favour.
Relating to chapter 123, though no real spoilers were involved in the making.
So apparently I can't stop writing angst at the moment. I do apologise.
If he heard her he did not show it. He just stared back at her, face completely void of any emotion.
"Hak, didn't you hear me? I said I set you free," Yona repeated, cursing inwardly at how her voice trembled and hoping he would not notice. She could feel salty tears stinging but she held them back by pure will. She had to remain strong. This was for him, for his sake. He had given up so much for her and she could, at last, return the favour. The prophecy was fulfilled and the kingdom was finally at peace and she could not let her own egotistical wishes get in the way for his freedom.
Finally he spoke.
"Did I do something to offend you Princess?" He asked warily, and for the briefest of moments she thought she could see something glimmer in his eyes before he closed himself off again, though it disappeared too fast for her to read.
"What? No! You have fulfilled your oath to my father and I release you. I give you your freedom back; you can do whatever you want. You can leave and return to the Wind tribe if you would like. I know they're waiting for you," she tried to explain, unsure of the lack of emotions he exhibited. Was he perhaps still angry with her for holding him back from his life for so many years? "I… I do wish to say I'm sorry for not releasing you earlier. I had to keep you against your will and believe me; if I could I would have let you go much earlier," Yona continued, desperately hoping the apology would be accepted.
She had dreaded this moment for so long and had honestly been unsure if she could go through with it. With every second the lump in her throat grew bigger until it threatened to take away every last inch of her resolve. She wanted to scream and she was afraid that if she opened her mouth again her heart would betray her and she would take back her promise. She was terrified that she would change her mind and order him to stay with her forever. She could not imagine a life without him, but it was for his sake. She could not be so egotistic that she would deny him his life now that she could finally return it to him. He deserved better.
He remained still, his whole body tense, apprehensive, and as the silence stretched out she felt her resolve almost crumble completely. She could not understand why he was acting like this and the tears she fought so hard to hold back burned. She swallowed hard and forced out a small smile.
"I thank you for your loyal service and want you to know that your service will not be forgotten," and then with a softer voice: "I owe you my life many times over. There are no words to describe my gratitude. You were the only one that stood by me and I can never even begin to repay you, but know that you always have my gratitude and blessing to move on with your life without being tied down by me anymore."
"So what, now that you don't need me anymore, you're getting rid of me?" He asked and this time she was sure she could see anger flashing through his eyes for a moment before he once again reigned himself in. "I understand Princess. I won't bother you anymore then," he replied curtly before hastily bowing his head and retreating.
Not until the door slammed shut behind him, the broken princess allowed herself to collapse completely.