A/N: Hello! Here comes chapter three! This is kinda part of the first episode in the anime for those of you that are curious.

Thank you Guest and Arimarijessi for your reviews! Arimarijessi, I am happy that you and your friend is enjoying the story! Hopefully you'll like the road that the story takes!

I hope you all enjoy this chapter! Tell me what you think!

Wikked

I walked up to one of the lakes that were nearby the castle of Kouka. I gently took off my shoes and dipped my toes in the water. It was no hot spring but it wasn't cold either. I removed the rest of my clothing and dived into the lake. While under water I opened my eyes and saw the beautiful world that you so often miss while living above the liquid surface. I swam up and inhaled. Feeling the familiar sensation of air flowing into my lungs.

I swam in the lake for quite some time, not only because it was peaceful beyond measure but also because it was great training. I felt the flowing water caress my naked body as I swam.

"Enjoying yourself?" I heard a voice ask.

"Hak, what a coincidence. Care to join me?" I asked calmly while looking at the reflection of Hak's, now very grown, body in the water. He was a man now, though only 18 years old.

"No thank you, I came to get you for Princess Yona's 16th birthday." Hak stated.

"Ah," I said. "What if I'm difficult though? Maybe I'll make you come in here and get me?" I added flirtatiously. I was just kidding though. Well, semi-kidding.

Hak smirked. "Nice try."

I pretended to sigh dramatically.

I swam to the edge of the lake and got up, looking Hak in the eyes all along. Hak's gaze never once drifted from my eyes. Instead his gazed fiercely into my eyes. We had known each other for a long time and I had long ago realized that I loved him though I didn't know what he felt for me. We had seen each other naked many times, we used to swim together growing up. Though his body now gave me feelings that it never did before, and deep down I hoped he'd say the same.

I dressed quickly never looking away from his eyes. When I was finished I smiled.

"Soo-Won is coming, is he not?" I asked Hak.

"He is," Hak said neutrally but I could tell he was happy. I was never quite close to Lord Soo-Won. He wasn't bad but I was nervous around him. Princess Yona and Hak was completely relaxed around him but for some reason I just couldn't. Generally, I'm nervous around people that I didn't know really well though. I didn't feel like I knew him that well, not as well as Hak or Princess Yona at least.

I nodded as a reply. We walked back to the castle together and after that we split up, I really needed to get ready for Princess Yona's birthday. I couldn't look like a drenched cat at this celebration. Mundok would be disappointed to say the least, so would I.

0o0o0

I knocked on the door to where Yona was getting ready.

"Princess? May I come in?" I asked.

"Of course, Ane! You need to help me. It doesn't feel right!" Yona exclaimed as I walked into the room.

"You look beautiful, princess," Min-soo said to her. "Forgive me but you should proceed to the courtyard soon," he added. Yes, she really should. Now.

"No! This isn't right!" Yona interrupted. "Hey, where is that chintz?" Yona asked and bumped into her father. I made a grimace to reflect my failure of getting her to the ceremony.

"As you can see, it is over," The King said.

"Oh no, I'm sorry…" Yona said apologetically. The King laughed it off.

"It was merely a formality, it's of no matter," he said.

Yona started talking about her looks and subtly – not subtly - begging for compliments and I looked at her amused. She may be 16 but she has some growing up to do. Her hair was unusual so I can see why she would feel insecure but she really is beautiful.

Hak walked into the room and bowed.

"Who would ever say that he princess hair looks strange?" Hak asked, complying to the Kings wish to make Yona feel better. "If anything is not right, it is her brain," Hak finished off and I snorted.

"Quiet, knave!" Yona replied to the insult and started throwing things at him that he easily caught.

"Father! Do something about this impertinent cretin!" Yona yelled. I couldn't help but laugh slightly and The King smiled.

The King then explained that because he was one of the five generals that he was very important. Since he also protects this castle and Yona.

"I don't care! If you need guards than pick someone more lovable," Yona exclaimed and threw a cup at Hak – which he easily cought. I raised a brow, she should know by now that that doesn't work.

"Speaking of lovable… Shouldn't you try to look lovable yourself?" Hak asked and then explained that Soo-Won had arrived.

"You should've said so sooner!" Yona said and ran out of the room. She was rather sweet.

"Are you going to tease her about this, Hak?" I said as I saw his mischievous smile. "You know, I think it's sweet, go easy on her," I added and smiled.

Just after Hak walked out Soo-Won walked in.

"Hello, Lord Soo-Won," I said with a smile and bow. Though we weren't as close he was still a friend.

"Hello, Ane!" Soo-Won said. "How have you been?"

"Very well, thank you! What about you, Lord Soo-Won?"

"Very well! I'm looking for Hak. Do you know where he is?"

"You just missed him, would you like me to help you find him?" I asked him.

Soo-Won nodded and smiled. "Let's go".

After we found Hak they immediately ventured to get a horse and a bow. They liked training and competing. And in difference from me, Soo-Won could actually keep up with Hak.

I sat on the fence to the balcony overseeing the training area. It was usually quite entertaining.

Yona arrived and were jealous at Hak and Soo-Won doing archery.

"Princess Yona, why don't we enjoy watching them from here?" I tried.

"No! I'm going to do archery with Soo-Won," Yona said determined.

"No! You musn't handle weapons!" The King said. "I don't even want to let those two use them."

Though weapons are dangerous, they can also be an important part of defending yourself and friends in a world such as this. But I did really admire The Kings ideology.

Soo-Won rode over on his horse and told Yona, much to her pleasure, that she could ride with him. This would without a doubt be entertaining.

Yona ran down to the training area and with Soo-Won and Hak helping her up on the horse I almost died from lack of oxygen. I was laughing, hard.

"Relax, we'll both hold on to you," Soo-Won comforted. I had to say, though I was nervous around him, he was a great friend to Hak and Yona. Especially Yona.

Yona seemed doubtful and Hak must've said some sort of insult because the uncanny angry face of the Princess Yona appeared.

Eventually with a lot of help from Soo-Won's soothing voice Yona got up on the horse, blushing furiously. What was going on down there? I wish I could've heard.

Hak was calmly petting his horse while Soo-Won and Yona were riding. I jumped down and walked up to him.

"Is this entertaining or what?" I said while discreetly watching Soo-Won and Yona.

"I think it's more awkward," Hak stated.

I heard their conversation about engagement and then Yona said there had been talk of her and Hak getting engaged.

I tried stopping my laugh but I was too far gone. I pushed my face into Hak's arm to muffle my laughter. Meanwhile, Hak was to confused and suspicious to do anything other than stare at them. Out of all the people she could have said, why on earth would she say Hak?!

"I think that sounds wonderful, congratulations!" I heard Soo-Won say. At that point I didn't know what to do, her plan seemed to have completely backfired.

0o0o0

"The King just crushed all Yona's hopes and dreams about marrying Soo-Won," Hak said in a concerned voice as we both sat watching the rain that was falling down just feet away from us. It was actually kind of nice.

"Really? Why would he do that?" I asked confused as I saw the falling rain drops making waves in a small puddle. "Who better to marry her than Lord Soo-Won? He takes better care of her than anybody I've ever met…" I trailed off.

"Well, apparently he doesn't what harm to come to him. Being King is a burdensome position," Hak stated.

"Mh." I responded shortly. Honestly wouldn't have thought that The King would make such a decision. I leaned my head on his shoulder. "I'm kind of relieved that none of us will ever have to deal with complications like that, maybe that makes me selfish though."

"A lot of people probably think that way, Ane. I know I do," Hak said. "… but that doesn't mean we respect the royal family any less."

"Maybe not," I said thoughtfully. "I wonder though, where my loyalty will lie when and if I am pushed so far. Will I think of myself or the family I promised to serve? I'd like to say that I am loyal to a fault but I think I won't know if I'm a coward or not until I am forced into making a choice."

"I doubt you're the type to run away though," Hak said. "You stand up for what is right and will continue to do so even if it kills you. That's what I believe," he continued casually. He really could be wise when he wanted to be, though it was rare.