Chapter 25: Earth Tribe (II)

an umcomfortable truth

Soo Won stared at the page of the book he was reading, quite confused by this sudden question. Why did people always conclude, that he was interested in Yona? What made them think so?

If Soo Won just knew the answer to this question...Even Hak had bothered to ask the exact same question!

Actually he didn´t want to answer this. This would all lead to more misunderstandings, if he was honest! But if he lied regarding this topic, he would surely loose her trust. The tiny trust that they had built over the last couple of weeks.

After so many wrong events that had happened! After so many misunderstandings and insecurities they had finally achieved a peaceful and nice time together! Then this!

Why?

His head hurt and he really, really wanted to turn to the next page and forget that she had asked this question, but he very well was aware that this action would only give birth to bigger misunderstandings!

Obviously troubled he finally turned his head to look at her...and was speechless.

Soo Won stared at Lily.

Her lips were thin and there was a line between her brows. Her hand was still holding the book, but in a manner that crumbled slightly the page she was reading. The other hand had vanished from Soo Won´s perspective.

This woman was quite agitated!

„Do you hear me?," she said, this time louder than the first time,"Have you ever wanted to marry Yona?", she asked. Soo Won could feel her agitation even through the vibration of her voice, more than he actually heard it.

Suddenly Lily leaned the upper part of her body over. Her face drew nearer. Soo Won could hear his heart beating in his ears. He froze. He felt like he could not move even a finger, yet at the same time he wanted to run away.

„Soo Won," she whispered, while Soo Won noticed little golden spots around her pupil" I just want to know...I mean," she said,"it´s not like it would change anything".

„Calm down. Calm down. Calm down,"told Soo Won himself over and over.

He concentrated to breathe in and let the air slowly escape through his mouth.

Her lips were only a little away.

Breathe in.

„Too near,"he thought," she is far too near."

Breath out.

„I…," he said, but no words came out. Soo Won didn´t know how to answer. Only a little closer and he would be not even able to remember his name. His face felt awfully hot.

Then her eyes widened. She looked like an owl for a moment.

A little exaperated, she drew back. The line between her eyes had become deeper.

Oh...great.

„I didn´t wanted to startle you," she said, trying to keep a serious face, however...however, he could clearly see how her lips trembled and her cheeks were twitching.

„If you consider me that funny, then just let it out. Isn´t it quite painful to hold it in?", he said, now pretty exaperated as face felt even hotter than before. How embarrassing!

„Sorry," she said smiling," I am just so glad."

Her eyes were sparkling and Soo Won had to think that they looked quite nice, but it was sad that there was so less light right now.

„Alright,"he said, even more confused than in the beginning.

„Good," she said, now resting calmly next to him" now you are going to tell me since you have found your voice?"

Rolling his eyes,he really wished to tell her a few things, but not exactly about this topic.

„Hak asked me the same question," meant Soo Won," but I don´t understand why you people think that I wished to marry her?"

Tilting her head, Lily seemed to consider her next words.

„Do you know the meaning of the hairpin you gifted Yona with in the past?," she asked after a while.

Her eyes seemed to be dark and deep, Soo Won was not able to grasp her thoughts. How should he proceed?

His hands and feed tingled. He knew that he should not hesitate any longer. Sooner or later she would hear the truth anyway. Hak knew it. Soo Won could not keep this secret any longer.

„It was a birthday present," he still said, even knowing, that it was not the entire truth.

Lily nodded, but he knew that she was dissatisfied with his answer. He could see it in her eyes.

„Usually," she started, but had to clear her throat," usually...A man gives this present to the woman he intends to marry."

She smiled, yet didn´t convey even a hint of happiness.

Soo Won wanted to take her hand, just so that she was near him. His stomach hurt.

Lowering his head, he knew that he had to say the truth, as strange as it may seem.

„Do you remember, when I told you that I considered to marry anyone in the past?",he began.

„Yes," she said," it seems like this scene was a life, not just a couple of years ago."

Soo Won nodded. Indeed. He felt the same. As if the world had been turned around in just a few years.

„Well...during that time I hoped that there was still a way. That I didn´t had to…," his voice became lower, gentler," that I didn´t had to kill Yona´s father."

He closed his eyes as if to shut out these images. Still. They were so vivid in his memories as if they had happened yesterday.

How this person had stood in front of him. One nightmare after the other. When he had been a child, this man had been a part of this hellish pictures and even now….

„He refused,"hissed Soo Won between his teeth. It was the truth, yet it was also a lie.

It hurt. Just thinking of it pained him. What this person had said. The reason why his father had to die…... Why Yona´s mother had to die….

Soo Won didn´t wish to remember.

He was searching for her eyes. He wanted to know what she thought about him.

Lily was calm. Like the water on the shore of a lake. Soo Won could see his reflection in her eyes.

„You wanted to marry Yona in order to avoid the murder?", she finally expressed the truth that was so hard to tell, yet he knew that this was not the entire story.

What he had told Hak had not been a lie. He had never desired Yona in the way he wished to be with...Soo Won looked Lily in the eyes...with this person in front of him.

However...there was a part that he could not explain. Soo Won closed his eyes.

It was better when Lily didn´t know.

Suddenly a shadow fell on his face. Soo Won could feel like the warm glow of the setting sun vanishing. It suddenly went away.

His body was moving quicker than he could think. In the blink of a moment he was there, throwing his arms around her, shielding her while his hand drew the sword reflexively.

The thin blade met another sharp object. They both clashed and Soo Won could feel the hit in his fingers.

„Calm down," the person said,"please lower your sword."

Quite puzzled, Lily still in his arms, Soo Won stared at General Ju do who looked at both of them, not in the slightest impressed.

General Geuntae and his family

„Well, at least you know now how to treat a woman now," commented General Ju do, unusually cool. Even Soo Won who was already accustomed to the fiery temper of this general, was a little startled by this behaviour.

„General," began Lily, but even her quick tongue didn´t know how to respond correctly to this occurence.

Also there was another reason she had trouble to concentrate. Just a moment ago, she had made fun of him that he had been so flustered by her presence, yet here she was: Her heart seemed to be ready to leave her body. It was pounding so loud in her ears, that it was impossible to think rationally.

„Finally, we were able to find you," declared Ju do, still unnaturally unpertubed," The General is waiting for you, two."

Soo Won raised his eyebrows and drew his hands back, leaving her. Genera Ju do nodded and they both followed.

„I understand, why you sent for Ju do," Lily whispered, trying to smile, but her tensed muscles didn´t quite obey her,"but he surely acts weirdly, even for him."

A little she regretted the broken contact.

Soo Won gifted her with one of his casual smiles.

Of course. Lily knew.

Ju do´s apperance had worked like a bucket of cold water – for both of them.

Up until now the journey had rather been a pleasant thing for both of them, even if it had been surely an akward experience.

From now on, it would be an official visit of the king to one of his subordinates. The protection had to be higher and they could not pretend this was only a sweet journey. Lily had buried the thoughts of the risks they took deep down in her conscience.

However, this was the end of it.

„Let the serious business begin," thought Lily with a weird feeling in her gut.

Several men followed them, Lily tensed, however, when she realized that nobody was startled by this event, she relaxed. Apparently these people were soldiers. Ju do nodded to them.

Of course they could not show their colors on the market in order not to draw too much attention to the king and his spouse. Only few people wandered the streets.

Right and left – they were taking quite a complicated way to the castle, that Lily failed to remember.

However, it was quite clear where their final destination lay.

Darkness surrounded them, only pertubed by a few flickering lights. Like fireflies that sung to each other. The brightest source of light towered in front of them. Old, but proud resided it in the middle of Chishin.

„This is the heart of Chishin," Nene had said to her, long ago, during a time, when Lily was still a little child.

„So this is the source of the pulse, penetrating this town," Lily had thought, answering to her romantic notion.

And like flies, Lily and her group were drawn to this old heart of this town. It was really quite nice, entering the warm building. Servants were rushing next to her. A person she had never seen,approached them. This young man wore his hair in a ponytail, quite like his master and his eyes were sparkling.

Without hesitation, he greeted them and declared that the master of this castle and his family wished to see them.

Soo Won smiled warmly at this person and Lily was a little astonished.

„Do you know him?", she asked curiously.

Lowering his head, Soo Won whispered:" This person helped me previously."

There was a tender light in his eyes," I had to agree with this person."

Tilting her head,Lily asked, a small smile on her lips:" About what, Soo Won?"

„ That General Geuntae is a great man," declared Soo Won in a low voice. His eyes twinkled with mischief, but his words were sincere.

„ Though I know that I may have challenged his greatest fan," he added with glistening eyes.

„What?"

Lily stared at him.

„Don´t you admire him anymore?," asked Soo Won, turning his face away, so that she had trouble to see his expression.

Lily couldn´t quite understand his reaction, however, even before the realisation finally dawned on her, Soo Won had separated from her, following the servant, while she still stood there, quite perplexed.

Her cheeks grew hot. How could she have forgotten it! Of course this person knew!

„I want to be his wife," had she once spouted in front of Soo Won. This moment now seemed like a life-time ago.

Directly in front of the door to the room, where most likely their hosts eagerly stayed, Soo Won stopped and waited for her. He turned around with an expression that was hard to decipher.

„Are you happy, meeting them?", he asked.

„I don´t know," she retorted honestly, because her feelings were so confused, that she did not know anything. He had answered her question, how could she lie to him?

She had once loved this man. This love had caused her to suffer tremendously. She had known it! Of course, how had she not been aware of the fact that this man was married to one of the loveliest spouses, Lady Yun ho.

Even when she had first laid eyes on him, this man had already been taken. But even if this had not been the case :This guy who had been clearly over 30 years had clearly no interest in a 13 year old brat that admired him with a rosy hue on her cheeks.

Soo Won smiled. It was a genuine expression. That surprised Lily. What the heck was this person thinking?

„Actually I am glad that we can meet them," he commented. His eyes had the same tender expression he had shown previously.

Obviously her surprise must have been written on her face, since Soo Won commented, laughter in his eyes:" Don´t you think that they are such a nice couple?"

„So nice…," he repeated more timidly. His minds was drifting elsewhere. His eyes seemed to be directed at a point, she was not able to perceive.

Suddenly the door slid open.

„Please," said one maid, with rosy cheeks, smiling pleasantly at both guests,"Come this way."

Looking each other in the eye, both, Soo Won and Lily crossed the treshold. Lily still wondered what he was thinking right now, yet was completely unaware that the same question was disturbing him.

However, the view that appeared in front of them, naturally made them forget their worries. General Geuntae was already sitting at the table, at his right side sat his spouse, Lady Yun ho, at his left side a woman that neither Soo Won, nor Lily knew. The oldest child, the sweet Eun-Ji, was already 3 years old. In the arms of the lady lay the youngest child. Lily was a little taken aback, since she hadn´t heard that a new baby was born in this family.

Yet, she had to admit, that the reason was most likely that she had been away for quite some time.

Noticing Lily´s interrogative glance, Soo Won commented:"About half a year ago, Lady Yun ho and General Geuntae were gifted with a son. If I remember correctly, the name of the child must be Hoseok."

The little boy had the same dark complexion like his older sister, however, he had lighter hair. His plumpy, cheeks were quite rosy and he occasionally dipped his round tiny hand in the meal of his mother. Lady Yun ho seemed to be completely untroubled by the behaviour of the baby.

A smile stole itself on Lily´s lips. They were both just too cute. Out of the corners of her eyes, she noticed that Soo Won´s face also lightened up.

Every of the people present greeted the royal couple respectfully, however, it would not have been General Geuntae if he had not disregarded the formal way after this.

Standing next to Soo Won, he said, a certain glint in his eyes:"Your Majesty. I have heard that you two have amused yourself in Chishin? I hope it was a nice trip."

Both their faces attained a certain red shade and Lily didn´t know how to answer this.

„We heard about the beautiful market of Chishin ," suddenly she heard Soo Won declare," and unfortunately we had hardly had the time to admire the beauty of this town...previously."

With an apologetic look, he continued:" It is shameful that we forgot the time, while we were enjoying ourselves."

Stupefied, Lily stared at Soo Won. It was amazing how well this person was able to control his emotions.

„Telling complete fairy tales...in the next moment - This guy will never change," she thought, and shook her head, however, she had clearly trouble to hide her amusement.

When Lily averted her eyes from the scene, she noticed the kind eyes of Lady Yun ho on her.

She nodded, and Lily reciprocated this gesture. This person truly had always incited strange sentiments in her.

How much she could understand General Geuntae, that he had chosen this fine and beautiful wife. Delicate and beautiful, but she also had quite the unique character that matched the strong personality of her husband.

Actually Lily had already had the honor a couple of times to drink tea with her. It was strange, that she had never felt any hatred or negative feelings for this woman.

„It was most likely because I had never a chance to begin with," she concluded and laughed silently at her younger self. This romantic person would even invest feelings in a fruitless dream. Why would have this person bothered with a stupid girl like her?

Lily felt bitter. She didn´t hate neither General Geuntae, nor Lady Yun ho and least of all their sweet children, yet she still harbored negative feelings.

Though they were more directed towards her own foolishness. Without her frustration that had accumulated over the years, she would have never gone with that person.

Dong-Geun.

She still had a bad taste in her mouth, when she thought about it. Nearly helped a person that had not just betrayed her, but also endangered the people she loved.

At the end, she had decided to marry, however it had been completely different from what she had anticipated in earlier years.

Lily peered at Soo Won.

However, she didn´t know if she should regret this turn of events. Not at all.

Soo Won was furrowing his brows at whatever General Geuntae told him. He seemed to be pretty embarrased. A rosy hue on his cheeks.

This guy! Most likely General Geuntae told an innuendo.

Lily chuckled.

Soo Won had never been good at handling this situations, even though he appeared every so often to be a „know-it-all".

Lily agreet to Ogi.

When she looked at him, she suddenly felt warmer. A gentle feeling that filled her belly resurfaced within her.

Lily smiled.

Suddenly Soo Won looked at her, as if he had heard her thoughts. There was a kind light in his eyes and his lips curved naturally upwards.

„I really don´t know at all," she thought," if I will regret this end."

conversations

The meal was more enjoyable than during her wedding. There were only few people present. The soup had such a nice red color and was just spicy enough. Wonderful. The vegetable was fresh.

Lady Yun ho sitting next to her, leaned over to ask:" Do you like the meal? You looked as if you had been quite cold when you entered, your Majesty."

Her cheeks grew hot, when she thought that they had waited for them.

How childish.

Why had they just stayed so long?

„It really tastes fine. Especially the flavor of the soup is quite nice," Lily replied and smiled sweetly.

A conversation between her and this woman had always been a little akward, but it was actually quite nice, since this person was quite comfortable to be with.

Lady Yun ho glowed with joy. Lily knew from earlier meetings that General Geuntae´s spouse greatly enjoyed topics like food, flowers – basically everything a person can grow in the earth - and her family.

„I grow most of the vegetable myself. It is such a nice feeling, if people enjoy them," she answered with a sweet smile.

Lily deemed this expression really female and attractive. And she was still very natural. Her brown eyes shone so warmly at the woman that used to like her man…

Inwardly Lily shook her head. If Lady Yun ho knew everything about her feelings, she would most likely despise her.

Observing the little one in Lady Yun ho´s arms, Lily mentioned:"Your children are really cute. Though I heard that it is quite hard during the first couple of months?"

Lady Yun ho nodded with a serious face.

„It won´t be easy if you decide to take care of them yourself. I did and…,"Yun ho´s expression softened," and I am going to do it."

Lily was surprised. Why? Wasn´t it to be expected? Why did this information shake her so greatly?

Lily uttered:"You are with a child, Lady Yun ho?"

„I am," she replied with a certain confidence.

Suddenly she gripped Lily´s hand:" I know that your Majesty may be quite nervous, since it will be your first child...but…," the light in her eyes was kind," it will be surely alright. We all worry too much. Most likely nothing will happen."

„Congratulation, Lady Yun ho,"Soo Won sitting next to his spouse. addressed her. He had been engaged in a conversation with General Geuntae and the other lady in the room, who turned out to be the younger sister of General Geuntae, Lady Min-Ju.

Turning back to his host, he added, as if he was just remembering now:"Of course, this also appliesto you, General Geuntae."

Shooting her husband a glance, Lady Yun ho said, even before General Geuntae got the chance to answer:" May, we are truly bad hosts. Forgetting that our guests are also expecting a child."

General Geuntae furrowed his brows. His wife raised hers, but General Geuntae just shook his head.

The next occurence was strange in itself. For Lily it was rather odd, that Lady Yun ho would react like this: The sweet face suddenly grew redder and redder until she remembered a strawberry.

Was it that grave of a sin to forget to congratulate them? Lily didn´t mind and from what she could see, Soo Won didn´t mind either.

So why bother with such an insignificant mistake?

„It is alright, Lady Yun ho. Let´s look forward to two new babies," she said and smiled warmly at the other woman, whose eyes were nervously drifting else where.

„Well, your Majesty, this brings back memories. You surely didn´t enjoy your last visit here as much as now," General Geuntae commented, raising the volume of his voice.

Even in a crowd of people, this voice would reach every person and among this small group there was nobody who hadn´t heard his words.

Now it was on Soo Won to show blushing cheeks. Lily wondered what this guy was thinking right now to suffer such an reaction.

„General Geuntae, the last time you welcomed me in your home...I mean…," he stuttered and Lily had to repeat her earlier thought. What was with that guy?

„Ah...I remember it like yesterday that I showed you one of the many attractions of this city. But of course every man has to experience such things! Though I am so glad, your Majesty, that you are now married. The whole country must sing in joy," General Geuntae declared loudly.

Soo Won´s head demonstrated a deeper shade of red. Lily was still a little confused, since she didn´t understood what kind of „attractions" would incite such a red head from Soo Won?

„Geuntae, you are a sheep," said Lady Min-Ju, shaking her dark-brown locks.

„I knew it. It was apparent that Lady Lily was a good spouse for you," the general continued, completely ignoring the comment.

This remark now lessened Soo Won´s abnorm reaction.

„I agree," he said and his eyes searched for Lily´s.

Her face felt awfully hot, all of a sudden. Now she had the same problem like Soo Won.

Fairy Tales

„Where has he gone...now, in the evening? What could be this important," wondered Lily, staring at the book she had bought earlier.

The picture was finely drawn. Some colors were added. It was astonishing how one could create a whole world with just a few lines of ink. Lily loved stories like this. She had liked to read them since her childhood. People who suffered unhappiness were able to overcome their misery. The bad clouds at the horizont would disappear and the sun would shine at the end of every story.

Lily turned the page.

They were soothing. Sweet childhoood memories.

Her grand-mother Yan-Li had been the one to read them to her. Sometimes her father.

Tenderly she caressed the page.

But her mother had never tried to even look at them. Adventures were not meant for girls.

Lily could still feel the thick knot in her chest, that had been present whenever her mother had instructed her.

„Don´t do this! Keep your head up! Why are you making such a sullen face? Every man will get tired of you."

Quite upset she lifted her head, staring at the door.

Why has he gone out?

„Lady Lily?", asked Tetora, who was sitting next to Ayura. Both her former retainers had not participated during the meal, since they considered it to be out of place.

„I am alright," answered Lily and smiled with quivering lips.

„There is an appointment this evening, that I cannot miss," had Soo Won explained, while he had prepared himself to leave. The white cloak over his head.

His back had told her.

„ I don´t know when we will be finished. You do not have to wait for me."

Lily stared at the fairy tale, while tears were burning behind her eyes.

Dark Shadows

A gentle breeze was moving her clothes, while Yona stood in front of the old tomb. King Hiryuu.

The atmosphere in here felt nostalgic for her. The quietness of his place created its own sound in her.

Finally she was able to breathe again. All day she was surrounded by many people that looked at her. Their eyes were following her every move. This constant observation put a high amount of pressure on her. Every moment she was aware of the wishes and hopes of her subordinates.

Yona was tired.

That was the reason she had wished to see the mausoleum one more time. It had been ages since she had last set a foot in here. Yona didn´t know why she had not visited this place for such a long time.

But did it matter? Now she was here and this place calmed her, was able to release her from her shackles if even just for a moment.

Unintentionally her lips broke into a smile. With closed eyes, she was standing in front of the tomb, praying silently.

Her father used to stand here. Right at the same place she was. He had his eyes closed and had talked to the ancient king. Yona had observed her father, mesmerized by the attitude of King Il.

„The King will appear at dawn. The darkness hanging over the land will disappear. The words of ancient fulfill the promise."

After some time, she opened her eyes. As if she had been in a dream.

She knew it sounded like sentences taken out of a fairy tale. But the first part could stem from the prophecy.

Yona wondered.

The „Sword" and the „Shield" had never appeared. Not in front of her. Neither in front of Soo Won.

Nobody had actually paid too close attention to the prophecy they had heard from Ik-soo.

„Except for Yoon," she mumbled.

This boy had stayed with Ik-soo, never to show himself again. As if he had vanished from earth. The last time they had tried to visit Yoon, they had been not welcomed.

What had happened?

It was strange, wondering about it now. Maybe it was the stillness of this place.

„Do you wish to inquire him?", asked a person behind her.

Shocked Yona was turning on her heel. Just to find Zeno directly behind her. Shadows were dancing over his face. The light of the quivering flame was mirrored in his eyes.

„Have you come to pray?", asked Yona. He surely had surprised her.

Zeno was lifting his head. The golden mane was sparkling in the candle´s light. His deep blue eyes were directed at her. A kind expression.

„ I merely came to greet him."

The small person approached the tomb. His eyes were looking up at the monoment over the tomb. Involuntarily he touched the golden medallion, hanging by his ears. It was identical.

„They are sad," thought Yona. It was a strange expression on his face.

Sadness, but more...longing maybe?

The candles went out. Shocked Yona stood there. Zeno beside her.