"Come no, Hak! That's not fair!" Pouting as I cross my arms completely annoyed with the fact that he could so easily masterfully wield his glaive. While me on the other hand has yet to do so with the sword given to me by my Uncle Yu-Hon.
"I just don't understand why you're so determined to learn how to fight? I mean, you're a Princess and not just that. The heir to your father's throne, so why do you feel such a need to know how to fight?"
It's true. It didn't make any sense as to why a royal Princess would have such a desire to learn how to fight and wield weapons. But it's what I want.
I didn't want to be one of those helpless Princess's that was always in need of someone to protect her. No, I wanted the ability to do so myself. To be able to defend my home when the need came and to keep all those who I love safe. Even if that meant the sacrifice of my own life.
Turning back to Hak I look at how much he's changed since I first met him. How strong he's become at only fifteen just a few shy months older than myself. He now has been given the task of being my personal guard and I couldn't be prouder of my childhood friend and crush.
A cliche I know falling in love with someone not of my own rank and my best friend. I can't help how I feel though and if I'm honest my desire to fight became even more so when I realized my feelings.
"What is your reason, Hak?" My question confusing him, "What drives you so with the strength in which you wield? Is it for your family? The emperor? Maybe it is a wish to become the best." Pausing as I move closer to where only inches separate us. "My reason is to protect my country. To fight by my countrymen when the time is needed. To protect all those with whom I love." My silver violet eyes locked with his blue, "What is yours, Hak?"
3 years later
Standing regally beside father wearing appropriate garbs as he addresses the people standing by the hundreds. Today is the anniversary of the late Emperor, my grandfather and of our small kingdom. He soon addresses the fact of my little sister, Yona turning sixteen soon and how he hopes the kingdom continues to prosper when I inherit the throne.
It wasn't much longer till the ceremony was over and I took notice of Yona not being present. I had to withhold a sigh at that. Knowing her she was too busy trying to perfect her appearance before Soo-Won shows himself. 'I swear that girl.'
Following after father to Yona's chambers I see her completely focused on how her hair was so plain looking. Her words not mine, but I couldn't help wanting to shake my head at her. Raven black hair just like their mothers poured down her back like fine silk making her violet eyes stand out beautifully on her.
"Come now, Yona," my voice causing her look at me, "you have beautiful hair. There is nothing plain about it. You could leave it as is and it wouldn't change anything."
"You have a point on me being beautiful, Hayami."
A tick mark comes at her vain attitude. I swear she is so spoiled by father which is the cause of her rather rude demeaner. Sometimes I feel like showing her what the real world is like just to teach her to be grateful for all the privileges given to her.
I'm taken from my thoughts at the raised voices of Hak and Yona arguing. The corner of my mouth upturns at the normalcy of this. They are always at one another's throats about something and Soo-Won and I would always be the ones to get between the two.
"Alright you two," standing between them, "that's enough. Besides Yona, I heard Soo-Won had arrived not long ago..." and she was gone before I could finish. A giggle escapes at her childish reaction and I look up to see Hak looking down on me with a smile. "What? What are you staring at, Hak?"
He looks away, my eyes catching the slight blush on his cheeks, "Nothing, just good to hear you laugh. You haven't much lately."
My smile fell slightly, not as bright and more practiced now. "Really? I guess I've just been busy as of late."
His eyebrows furrow as he looks at my face, his mouth opening as if about to say something. A servant however comes telling me that I was needed. I look back to Hak, but his face is blank of all emotion. I then nod, leaving to go see what was needed of me, but my thoughts fixated on the look on Hak's face.
Once I was done, I'm led to the targets where Hak and Soo-Won were. Both on horseback, focused on hitting the bullseye of the targets with their arrows. Soo-Won went first firing the first shot missing the center as he rode by with Hak following with the center hit.
This makes me smile, seeing Hak succeed in everything of does. My heart pounding in my chest as I withheld the blush wanting to come to my face. A sudden gust of wind blows, causing my crimson hair to fly in my face into my mouth. Spitting out the strands quickly, hoping no one saw only to hear the laughter bellow of Hak as he looks up at me with a dazzling smile.
"Hey Princess, looks like the wind isn't in your favor today!"
Pretending to scowl, my eyes lit with laughter, "It would seem that way. So why don't you command it as I command you?"
"I'm afraid, Princess that the wind is something that is unyielding, my lady." His smile never falters, but his eyes seem as though softer, "I, however am yours to commands in every way."
My heart stops if for a moment at his words and it took all my willpower not to just say what I felt in that moment. But I don't, "Then it is my wish to ride a horse with you, my warrior."
"As my lady wishes."
And with that I walk down to where Soo-Won, Hak and surprisingly Yona. When Hak sees me immediately he is walking to me, giving me his hand once in reach. He leads me over to one of the horses, taking me gently by the hips, lifting me up into the saddle.
I stare down at him as he looks up at me with eyes I love so much. Giving him a smile which he returns as he lifts himself behind me, holding me gently to his sturdy chest. What I wouldn't give for this moment to never end, but life is a cruel sometimes to having what we truly desire.
Before I knew it, it was the day of my little sisters sixteenth birthday. Not much had happened over the last few days. However, for some reason there was tension between Hak and I. It was a tension that I didn't understand and no matter how hard I tried Hak would never tell me as to why. Only saying that everything is fine.
I had to hold back a sigh from my rather depressing thoughts as I watch my sister enjoy the party for her birthday. Deciding to stay in the background as not to ruin the happy mood that surrounds her on her special day. My eyes did take notice of the fact of how father seemed rather tense whenever Soo-Won was seen or talked of.
It never escapes my notice of how infatuated Yona is by Soo-Won and I had a feeling something about marriage was spoken about. Just the thought of marriage made my stomach churn. I too had been talked to about an arranged marriage for me by father. He is even deciding on who it was to be and it is to be announced on my eighteenth birthday.
My heart hurt at the thought of marrying a man I did not know or love; a man who isn't Hak. I was so heart broken when I was told I was to be married to a man I did not love. Father tried reassuring me that whoever he picked would be a kind man that I could learn to love, but I didn't want that; I wanted Hak.
As the night wore on my thoughts on my forced marriage became all that I could think on. Not only that, but of me wanting to tell father of my love for my bodyguard. My thoughts become so much so that my night was sleepless and soon before I knew it, I was making my way towards my father's chambers.
I'm going to tell him, for once what I truly want. To be given at least a chance to tell Hak of what I've felt for him ever since I met him. I'm going to be selfish just this one time.
"Father," calling him from outside his door. "Father," once again no answer so I slide open the door, "father I wish to talk to you about –"
Frozen, my words, my steps, my entire body, froze at what I see. A sword, pierced through him, blood dripping down from the wound as well as the sword. But it's not only the sight of my father bloodied that froze me. It is the man holding the sword piercing my father; Soo-Won.
His bloodied body drops to the floor as the sword is removed from him. Immediately I'm kneeling next to father, holding his hand in mine as I feel tears well up in my eyes.
"The king is dead and I killed him."
Never have I heard Soo-Won sound so hollow. His words empty of all the warmth and kindness I have always known it to have. Even his once smiling face was void of his warm demeanor. It reminds me of when his father, Uncle Yu-Hon died so suddenly with no warning.
"What have you done, Soo-Won? How could you kill my father? Your own uncle?!"
"You wouldn't understand Hayami. I've wanted him dead for a long time."
"Then why? Answer me that Soo-Won!"
"I did love him once. I know that's hard to believe now, but it's the truth. I respected him for his pacifism even though all others called him a coward for it, but he was kind. Turns out he wasn't kind at all. He had blood on his hands; his own brothers."
My eyes widen at hearing him say such a thing. To kill his own older brother? It's unspeakable! But the look in Soo-Won's eyes tells me all that he's saying is true.
"I'm sure you remember my father. Afterall you would beg him to teach you how to fight, to learn how to defend your kingdom as he had done. You know how wise and brave he was, but when it came to announcing the heir, it was your father who had been chosen. No one understood this decision since my father was the eldest and so loved by the people. Why chose the second son who was weak and softhearted?"
"I don't know just as I didn't understand then, but I knew uncle truly had no desire for the weight of the crown. Rather he wished to continue on as he had. Fighting, protecting his country and our family."
"That was true and I was so proud of my father. I couldn't have respected him more. It was my dream to be strong enough to fight alongside him one day, but King Il killed that dream. Not long after taking the throne that he killed my father, his own brother in cold blood."
"We were told it was an accident that killed uncle Hu-Yon," my voice cracking, tears never stopping.
"That was just a lie to save face. He even did it himself. Il ended my father's life with his own hands. Do you understand?" I look up at him hearing him say this. "Your damned father, who always talked about hating swords and conflict. Put a sword through my father's heart."
A sob escapes me at listening to his crushing, damning words. Telling me that I never knew who my father truly was; a murderer.
"You know I'm telling the truth, Hayami. You've always been able to tell that no matter how hard I would try to hide it, but this I won't. I took vengeance for my father and to bring back honor I will lead. I will take the crown for Kouka Kingdom."
A cry sound behind me and I look to see Yona standing at the door. Pale, unable to look away from the corpse of our father lying beside me. She then looks up to Soo-Won teary eyes filled with anguish and heart break before running over into my arms.
I hold her tightly, not wanting her look upon our dead father any longer. Her tears soak into my clothing as her cries reach my ears, but my eyes never leave Soo-Won. He looks down on us both showing some regret in his eyes.
"I was told that both of you hardly ever come here at this time of night. Why is this night any different?"
"I came to confess," Yona's voice reaching both Soo-Won and I. His eyes wide with shock at her words. "I couldn't wait. I came here to tell him that I couldn't forget about you. That I loved you. How can I live with myself now?!"
My gaze watches Soo-Won's every reaction to her heartfelt words. I wouldn't help the self-degrading smile that came to my lips. Seems like the both of us were wanting to share what our hearts truly desired tonight.
"Master Soo-Won," a sudden voice called causing me to jump in surprise.
"Kye-Sook."
"It's done. Everything is going as you planned," bowing slightly, "You're finally getting your heart's desire." Kye-Sook walks over to Soo-Won, "the Princesses, witnesses?" All he does in reply is blink, "Then your next move is obvious."
His words cause me to tense, eyes narrowing on the snakes before me, "Yona," I whisper softly so only she hears, "I need you to be ready to run when I tell you." She moves to say something, but I silence her with a look, "Don't question just do as your told. It's the only way either us may survive."
"The Princesses should be happy then to follow their father in death. You'll silence both of the Princesses words."
A gasp escapes Yona as she turns to look at Soo-Won, "You would kill us?"
He doesn't speak, only lifting his already bloody sword. Their intentions made clear; to kill us both. Eyes looking for any way to stall this I catch sight of the lantern burning. 'Perfect.'
Without hesitation I move towards it with Yona in tow, kicking it over in the direction of the banner behind it. This caused a fire to ignite a much-needed distraction for the both of us.
We run as fast as we can Yona tripping over herself with fear, but I never let go. Holding on to her hand tightly as I drag her behind me through the halls. Quickly outside in hopes I could find Hak to help save us from this nightmare.
Yona then screams falling forward causing me to lose grip of her hand. Looking back frantically I see a whip wrapped around her ankle. I don't falter immediately back tracking, picking her up from where she lay on the ground.
This however made it easy for the men chasing us to surround us; trapping us. My exhale is shaky as I feel the trembling hand of my sweet, innocent little sister. I had to protect her, in any way that I could even though I am weaponless I still had my physical training.
"Prepare yourselves Princesses. Your deaths are crucial to the health of the Kouka Kingdom."
"Is that so?" I say looking up to where Soo-Won now stood looking down as his men prepared to end our lives. My eyes never leave his, my hate filled eyes showing an emotion I never thought I would direct at him. While Yona stared at him with tears in hers.
We both cry out, "Soo-Won!" "HAK!"
Just like that he appears, swiping his glaive, killing the men who were about to kill us. The wind swirling around me, protectively just like he always made it. I can't stop the sob of relief; all I could keep thinking is that he came!
"It's always such a pain when you come to the castle. I've tried to keep myself out of the way during this visit, but then I discovered all of the guards at the castle had abandoned their posts. With an ugly stranger barking orders! What the hell do you think you're doing out here with the Princesses? Well, Lord Soo-Won?" His cerulean blue eyes staring coldly into Soo-Won's sea green eyes at finally mentioning his name.
"... Hak," my voice shaking slightly as I spoke out his name. He turns to us, looking at me as a gasp escapes him at seeing the look on my face.
He kneels before us with his eyes focused on my own, "Please forgive me for leaving you all alone, my Princess. I'm here for you now, both of you."
"You mean... you're not with them! You're still on our side, Hak?!"
Her question of Hak's loyalty causes both of us to look at her in surprise, but I really wasn't. The man she thinks she loves had betrayed her. I too would have such reason if this had all been Hak's doing and not Soo-Won's.
"You know what my orders are," without any hesitation, "I promised your father that I'd protect your sister and you. Nothing about that has changed tonight." He then rises, his eyes glaring fiercely as he turns away, "No matter what happens I'll keep you both safe!"
"Watch your tongue mongrel. You're talking to the new master of the Crimson Dragon Castle, King Soo-Won!"
"King? Who's the master of where now? What is this some kind of game you're doing to amuse yourself? Where's King Il? Shouldn't he be a part of the fun as well?"
"He'll have no more fun. I sent that bastard to hell, but moments ago."
Theh breaking of tiles rings out as Hak smashes them easily with his glaive. His eyes furious at the words just spoken, "You must have had too much fun at the party. Even if you're joking that's going too far!"
"Why don't you ask Hayami what happened. Afterall, she witnessed the entire thing. Of how he died at the end of my sword."
I'd never seen Hak so angry as he looks to me to confirm what he's told. His eyes widening as I look away from his unable to look at him. He knew just by looking at me that what Soo-Won spoke of was true.
Crying out he rushes at Soo-Won clashing his weapon with Soo-Won's as he defends himself. "I've had enough of your lies!"
"Every word I've spoken is the truth! Hayami witnessed everything!"
"You monster!" His voice rising in his grief and anger, "How could you do such a thing in front of the Princess?! Murdering her own father, the King then brag about it as if it's something to be proud of! I'll kill you! There's no mercy for what you've done!"
It's in this moment, hearing the anguish from Hak's words that tears fall down my cheeks. Seeing him in pain from me having seeing my father's death tears me apart. The more he speaks the more my heart breaks because I can't stand to see him like this. I can't stand him being in pain because I am as well.
As my few tears subside, I notice a soldier moving closer to Yona. Blade drawn in action to slice her in the back, but he never saw me moving. I trip him, swiping my leg beneath his own causing him to lose balance.
In the few seconds I had I took his blade slashing him across the stomach, killing him. My arms are then taken hold, the grip on them causing me to wince. A sword is then rested upon my neck, the cold, sharp blade cutting a small incision with blood dripping from it.
"Cease attacking or Princess Hayami dies!"
Hak stills, turning his head to look to see me held with a sword against my throat. Fear flashes in his eyes, but I'm careful in my own. My eyes telling him to not lay down his weapon, to not stop fighting, but he does as he told laying down his glaive.
"You've been injured Master Soo-Won."
"Not enough," his eyes boring hatefully as he stares at the men standing in front of him. "Is there any trace of the Soo-Won I remember or are you just a shell of your former self. I thought I could lay my trust in you taking care of Princess Hayami, but it seems –"
"How small minded. You may be a general, but in actuality you're still just a child."
"How dare you!"
"The Kouka Kingdom was falling to ruin under the reign of King Il. Princess Hayami though in valiant effort to try and save her kingdom doing all she could. It wasn't enough. In truth the three of you that have been shelter have no idea what it's like outside. Under Master Soo-Won's rule –"
"Enough Kye-Sook," his command silencing the man. "In truth all that concerns you is that the Soo-Won you knew doesn't exist anymore. As king I will strike down anyone who gets in my way, even you." Holding his sword threateningly at Hak as they glare at one another.
Suddenly an arrow hits the ground causing the soldiers to panic. It is all that Hak needed to escape with retrieving his glaive then picking Yona up as I follow him. He pushes me in front as he swings his weapon at the following soldiers killing many.
"General Hak, Princess Hayami," Min-Soo's voice coming from the shadows.
"Was that your lousy shot? Well, you got a lot to work on your aim," his voice rising as he moves to kill the soldier behind Min-Soo. "Take Princesses and follow me."
"Right," Min-Soo taking Yona from Hak and I followed behind them.
Hak charges forward, working his way through the men to clear a safe path for us. He attacks relentless as he focuses on getting us somewhere safe. He never notices the man coming in from behind as Min-Soo cries out to him, but I'm quicker.
Taking hold of a knife taken from one of the fallen soldiers. Throwing it, piercing the man in the chest just as Hak turns to defend himself. His eyes look to mine, nodding as I return it before following after Min-Soo and Yona.
"We need to find somewhere to hide. Make a plan to escape once we do."
"But where can we hide?"
"Follow me." Hak leads us not far off, deeper into the trees. We all immediately move to sit, resting ourselves in the cover given. Min-Soo goes to see what all we are dealing with in hopes he could see a way for us to escape.
"There are way too many of them. If we try to escape, we'll be easily seen by many a number of guards." He then pauses before looking to me, "Is it true? That King Il is gone and that Soo-Won is to blame for everything?"
"Yes," I say without hesitation, "he's the cause for everything."
"Forgive me, Princess," bowing to me, "I just couldn't believe what I was hearing. It's terrible."
I give no answer just staring off up at the bright moon shining down on us. What Min-Soo swordd is true, it's terrible. All of it, but what made it more so is the fact that I believe every word Soo-Won spoke of to me about father. How could a man who hated fighting, hated violence, dare to kill his own brother in cold blood? It all just seemed so unimaginable.
"I'll cause a distraction to give all of you enough time to escape."
I'm taken from my thoughts at hearing Min-Soo's words. Shock courses through my veins, knowing that what he is saying to very well likely mean his death. Hak voices his concerns for his suicidal plan, but Min-Soo just pushes it off as if it is nothing.
We then begin moving not long after, hiding in the shadows of the castle. It wasn't long before we were just feet from the rear gate, but it was heavily guarded. That's when Min-Soo takes the outer layer of my garb putting it over his head, hiding himself.
"Min-Soo what are you –"
"It's so that they think I'm the Princess. When you get an opening take it. You'll be ok." Before looking down at both Yona and I, "I pray for your safety," then he runs off.
Cries of the guards of seeing a Princess soon give us the chance to run for the gate as the guards abandon their posts. I knew that this would be the last time I would ever see Min-Soo and all I wanted to do was cry at that. Hak carries Yona in one arm as his other hand takes hold of one of my own leading us towards the gate to escape.
I pause looking in the direction Min-Soo ran a tear running down my cheek, "We have to go!" Hak dragging me away, leaving the castle walls. We then fled to the mountains moving as fast as possible.
Hak and I carry on as fast as we could in order to get as much distance between us and the castle as possible. Not but an hour or so is when I notice Yona beginning to fall behind, looking exhausted. I move back to her, stopping by her side before calling out for Hak.
He stops, looking to see the distance between us. He walks back down to us taking in the exhaustion that must be on our faces. I'm not worried about me though. All I'm worried for is Yona.
"Princesses, do you need to rest for a while?"
We both nod, moving to rest against one of the trees. It only took a few minutes with Yona passed out from her exhaustion resting on my shoulder. Hak sat across from us cleaning, preparing his blade for whatever may lay ahead.
"Min-Soo," Hak looking to me when he heard my voice, "he sacrificed himself for us. He was always so kind, always having a smile no matter what he was tasked with. Now, he's another life snuffed out for the vengeance and greed of a man I thought I knew." My voice becoming more unstable the longer I speak, "How many more must die? Who else will I lose till he is satisfied? Yona? Grandfather Mundok? You!?"
Everything crashes around me. Reality had finally set in and it is as horrid as it seems. Tears pour from my eyes as I try to hold back the sobs that wish to wrack my body. Warmth then consumes me, strong arms wrapping around my tired body. Gentle, callused hands rubbing my back and holding the back of my head pulling me to lay on a muscled chest.
Hak's grip on me never loosens, only keeping me in his hold to bring me some semblance of comfort. This is a side of a him that I treasured. That caused me to fall even deeper in love with him even though he didn't know it.
"I swear nothing will happen to any of us. I'm not gonna let that bastard take any more from you than he already has."
I pull back, looking up into his eyes that spoke so much more than what was told. His eyes were always something I had trouble understanding, but not now. "Keep your promise. Don't let anything happen to Yona or you."
It's then that I pass out. Taking in the comfort that the darkness brings. Only knowing that when daylight comes, I'll be brought back to my living nightmare.