Hey guys! I've been receiving some feedback about changing the pace of the story. While I'm not against this, the reason is because I didn't start this fanfic with the intention of having a concrete plot as it was supposed to be a fun and nonsensical diversion. Also, it's kind of hard to gauge the pacing from the writer's perspective, so I do apologise. But I also understand the need for the occasional filler which is what most of this chapter is for! So thank you for understanding :)

And of course, I have these lovely peeps to thank for their sensational contributions - NekoRyuuko, Mrs Zala, FangirlLife101, Queen Riptide Tall Shadow Pear, and KMCP Ai

...

Yoon stretched his arms languidly and cast a look at the darkening sky.

"Well, it's almost time to hit the hay," he announced.

"I suppose we should leave as well," said M'Lady, getting to her feet. "Will you be playing again, Yona and friends?"

"Hm, there's nothing to do while we're on the road, so why not?" shrugged Yoon. "I think we've earned ourselves a break, too."

"Stop by again tomorrow, M'Lady," beamed Yona.

She had to say, thought Hak wearily.

"M'Lady, I don't think this is a good idea… " whispered Tae Jun, looking unnerved by Hak's expression.

"Don't be silly, Tae Jun," said Lilli. "It's not everyday we get to play such a fantastic game. I'll see you tomorrow, guys!" she called, waving cheerily to the Happy Hungry Bunch.

The trio returned to the carriage.

Has the coachman been waiting there all this time? wondered Yoon, staring at it. I feel sorry for him, although not as sorry as I do for Thunder Beast.

…

"It has been a most enjoyable day," smiled M'Lady. Her shawl lay draped on the seat beside her as the carriage rocked gently.

"I agree," said Lilli.

"I don't," said Tae Jun.

"Although it would have gone better if I had not been smothered under layers of silk," sighed M'Lady.

Tae Jun was frowning. "I'm against your returnig tomorrow, Your La – I mean, Your Majesty. What if Hak finds out your true identity? You told me what happened the last time you set eyes on each other."

"Which is precisely why none of us will say a word," said Soo Won, with a knowing smile.

"I'm still amazed how ladylike you can sound when you really get down to it," said Lilli. "And how is it that no one could recognise you?"

"No one?" demanded Tae Jun. "Did you not see the way Hak kept glaring at him?"

"There is nothing he can do to confirm his suspicions," said Soo Won reassuringly.

"Still, risking your life just to play a game…!"

"I know, Tae Jun. I simply could not resist," laughed Soo Won, scratching his cheek in embarrassment. "An opportunity such as this was too hard for me to pass."

"Oh, give it a rest, Tae Jun," advised Lilli. "You want to see Yona again, don't you?"

Tae Jun reddened. "I – you – that is to say – "

"You'll get to see her again, and Soo Won and I'll get to have our fun. At the end of the day, everyone is happy, right?"

Tae Jun blushed even further and slumped down his seat.

…

"So what's for dinner?" asked Hak, stoking the fire. He seemed back to normal now that M'Lady and her escorts had left.

"It's right in front of you," said Yoon irritably. "It'll take us a few days to finish off the boar you hoarded. It was pretty big, you know."

"A fine hunt," said Hak serenely.

"I thought we were having snake stew tonight," said Kija.

Yoon stiffened. Hak looked up with a smile.

"Oh, that's right," he said, intentionally stretching his words. "I'm glad you reminded me, White Snake. Or should I say, Soon-To-Be-White-Snake-Stew."

"What?" said Kija.

Shin Ah and Jae Ha surrounded the White Dragon at once.

Jae Ha put his arms around Kija and said in a cheerful voice, "Come on, Kija! Shall we eat together? Nothing beats bonding over a warm meal."

"Zeno too!" cried Zeno, who hadn't caught the drift and had zipped over the very picture of delight.

Jae Ha nodded enthusiastically. "Why not? And while we're at it, let's all share a tent tonight!"

"Don't we always?" pointed out Kija quizzically.

"I meant us Dragons and the lovely Princess Yona. Hak and Yoon can sleep together for the night."

"Oh? That's news to me."

Hak loomed over the Green Dragon with spear in hand, giving off dark waves of menace.

Dropping his head, Jae Ha shoved Kija into the larger tent.

"Go, Kija – leave me. Save yourself."

Yoon sighed and stood up.

"Thunder Beast, I thought I told you to tend the fire."

"It's OK, Yoon. I can do it," offered Yona cheerfully. "Ow!"

The Princess put her scorched finger into her mouth. Hak was at her side in an instant. Making use of the diversion, Jae Ha swept the Dragons into the tent.

"Guys, dinner is almost ready," Yoon informed the canvas.

Jae Ha's muffled reply came from within.

"It's OK! We'll skip it."

Yoon got up and pushed the flap aside. He stuck his head in. "If you're so worried about Kija, why don't you let Thunder Beast sleep with Yona?"

"And put Yona's chastity at sake?" said Jae Ha in horror.

Yoon narrowed his eyes dryly. "You really enjoy putting him down, don't you? Besides, do you think he'll actually turn Kija into stew?"

Arms still wrapped around Kija, Shin Ah nodded feverishly, his way of saying, "Without a doubt!"

"What's going on?" blinked Kija in confusion. "Shin Ah, why are you grabbing hold of me? I would like to eat."

"Is anything wrong?"

Yona's head popped into view, looking concerned. She studied the Dragons puzzledly. "Aren't you going to eat?" she asked.

"Hooray! Zeno will eat with Miss," declared Zeno, promptly bouncing out of the tent.

Traitor, thought Jae Ha.

"Come on, guys. I'm sure you must be famished after playing," cajoled Yona.

Jae Ha and Shin Ah reluctantly stepped out. They avoided Hak, who was sitting by the fire.

However, they didn't have to worry about him a second longer, because…

"Thunder Beast, I think I might have a fever, so you sleep with Yona tonight," said Yoon.

Hak went still, chopsicks poised in mid-air. Kija and Jae Ha were struck dumb.

"A fever?" asked Yona, peering at Yoon worriedly. "Are you OK? Do you need to take some medicine?"

"I'll be fine; a good night's rest is all I need," smiled Yoon. "The Dragons have strong bodies, so they won't catch my illness."

Hak managed to find his voice.

"Why me?" he demanded, setting his chopsticks down and staring at Yoon. "Zeno will manage just fine."

"Zeno will be too happy to sleep," said Yoon dryly.

No one could argue with that.

"Then get Shin Ah to do it," insisted Hak.

Shin Ah stiffened visibly.

''Will there be anything wrong if it's you?'' Yona questioned Hak, wide-eyed. She was surprised because he didn't have any objections last time.

"Fine," sighed Hak, when the Blue Dragon remained tense for almost a whole minute. "I'll sleep with you, Princess.''

Yona suddenly felt a little anxious.

Sorry Yona, thought Yoon, looking apologetically at the Princess. It's the only way to stop Thunder Beast from murdering Kija.

…

Night fell, and the atmosphere in the large tent was nothing short of depressing.

Jae Ha lay with his back to the others.

"Yoon and Zeno are traitors," he pouted.

"You're really disappointed, aren't you?" said Yoon, turning to look at him with exasperation.

Zeno was also sulking.

"Zeno wanted to sleep with Miss," he said unhappily.

Kija's eyes were wide open.

"The Thunder Beast and the Princess… the Thunder Beast and the Princess… " he kept saying over and over.

Yoon sighed and gazed up at the canvas. It would be a miracle if any of them got to sleep that night.

…

It wasn't exactly a warm night, but for some reason Yona's back seared.

Looking over her shoulder, she was startled to find Hak gazing back at her.

"What's wrong, Princess?"

Yona quickly looked back to the front. "Nothing."

"It's not 'nothing'. Tell me."

"It's nothing. I just thought… you might be on fire."

"Huh?" Hak tilted his head in confusion. "Did you have a nightmare or something?"

Yona didn't answer. Her chest was unbearably tight again. She felt, rather than saw, Hak smile.

"You don't have to be frightened, Princess. It's just a nightmare."

"I'm not frightened!"

"Do you want to cuddle?"

"Argh! I really hate this side of you!"

Hak laughed softly. The tightness in Yona's chest increased. She clutched her gown nervously.

The movement didn't go unnoticed. Hak propped himself up, frowning.

"Your chest again?"

Yona shook her head. Hak sighed.

"Princess, do you know that wearing tight-fitting clothes could lead to breathing problems?"

Yona bit her lip. "I... I don't know why, but it only happens when you're around, Hak..."

Something flickered in Hak's eyes. He bent close to the Princess's ear.

"Princess, is it really your gown that's feeling constricted?"

"Wha- ?"

The sensation of Hak's breath caused the intense pressure in Yona's chest to dissipate, and instead her heart began to drum violently. She didn't dare turn around. Hak had moved so close she could feel his warmth against her back. She closed her eyes as he spoke into her ear again.

"Princess - "

"MIIIIIIIISSSSSSSSSSSS!"

Something sailed through the entrance of the tent and rammed into Hak.

"Z-Zeno?" Yona gaped at the figure in bemusement.

"Zeno had a nightmare that Miss was kidnapped!"

Hak was still for a moment. Then –

"Who's your Miss?!"

"Whoa!" Zeno leapt back before Hak could blow.

Just then, Jae Ha's face appeared.

"Nice work, Zeno!" he grinned, giving him a thumbs-up.

Hak was frustrated… he had been on the brink of uncovering something when the Yellow Dragon had turned up. But hearing Jae Ha's words made him snap.

"Droopy Eyes... " he growled, cracking his knuckles as a storm blew up around him. "When I'm done with you, you're going to be known as No-Eyes…"

"Uh oh." Jae Ha ducked out. Hak stomped after him.

A second later, the night air was filled with the sound of the Green Dragon's shrieks.

"Will you keep it down? We're trying to sleep," called Yoon irritably, having poked his head out of the large tent. "Zeno, come back here."

In the end, Hak returned to the small tent and fell asleep from sheer frustration.

Jae Ha spent the rest of the night out cold under the stars.

Yona was saved from further interrogation and slept a peaceful sleep.

…

The carriage trundled in first thing in the morning.

Lilli's eyes were sparkling as she stepped out, Tae Jun and Soo Won in her wake.

"Good morning, everyone!" she squealed exuberantly. "Let's get the ball rolling!"

As they got ready to sit in the usual ring, Yoon indicated ten names he had drawn in the dirt, all laid out in a circle.

"I've drawn up the new sitting arrangements," he said in a business-like manner. "We'll be starting with Shin Ah today."

"Why am I with Droopy Eyes again?" demanded Hak, examining the dirt with displeasure. "And why is M'Lady beside the Princess? Did I miss something?"

Yoon shrugged. "It was a random arrangement."

"I've never heard of such a thing."

"Look, Thunder Beast – it's the rules. I can't intervene."

"It seems we are destined to be together, Yona," said Soo Won, turning smiling eyes upon Yona. The Princess smiled back, and Hak's expression changed so much no one dared to look at him.

"Shin Ah, you don't have to do your dare anymore," Yoon informed him. "A new game means a fresh slate."

Shin Ah nodded and reached for a slip.

Shin Ah – Who would you rape in this group?

There were audible gasps from Kija, Lilli and Tae Jun.

Hak stole a glance at Yona. The Princess simply looked blank.

Shin Ah was staring at his slip.

Suddenly, the Blue Dragon shook his head frantically and thrust the slip back into the pile.

"N – no!" he said anxiously. What was visible of his face had flushed.

Kija was overcome with emotion. He grabbed Shin Ah's shoulders.

"You're the purest of us all, Shin Ah," he said tearfully. "Here is a toast to you, Brother of the Moonlight!"

As the White Dragon clinked his cup against Shin Ah's, Jae Ha said, "Kija, you don't need an excuse to drink in the morning."

"It's only tea," Yoon told him.

"I know. I just wanted to tease him."

"That personality will bring about your doom."

"Ha ha ha! What a thing to say."

Lilli – When was the most appropriate time that you farted?

"HUH?!" Lilli looked scandalised as she spluttered. "When was the time that I… WHAT?"

Kija and Tae Jun had raised their hands to their mouths.

"You're all overreacting," placated Jae Ha. "What's wrong with letting loose once in a while?"

"What's wrong?" exclaimed Tae Jun. "It is a forbidden subject!"

"Really?" said Hak. "You can say that after hearing about Droopy Eyes's… side deeds?"

Tae Jun looked confused. "What are you talking about?"

"Apparently, the memory of it was so bad, his brain cancelled it out," said Lilli.

Tae Jun - Do a "knight style oath" with a girl of your choice. If you're a girl get another guy to do it.

Hak's face was like a thunderstorm.

Tae Jun knelt before the Princess. Summoning up his courage, he breathed, "Princess Yona, I take you to be my partner and one true love … "

"WRONG!" Yoon ground a fist into Tae Jun's head. "A knight style oath, not a wedding vow!"

"I'm sorry; I was not thinking clearly," gasped Tae Jun. The moment he stared into the Princess's eyes, all rational thoughts had flown out of his head. He bowed his head again.

"Princess Yona, will you take me, Kan Tae Jun, to be your lawfully wedded …?"

Yoon's fist sank into Tae Jun's scalp again. "Do it right already!"

"Get it together, Tae Jun," encouraged Lilli.

Yona took Tae Jun's hand with her left and used her right to pat the top of it.

"It's OK to be nervous, Tae Jun," she said soothingly. "Take deep breaths."

"Yona dear, I'm not sure that you're helping," said Jae Ha, as Hak's eyes crackled and Tae Jun's face bloomed like a thousand roses.

Tae Jun's voice sounded a little high as he said, "Princess Yona, I swear to defend your body and soul to the very last of my breath."

Lilli and Zeno clapped enthusiastically.

"Well, that was easy," remarked Jae Ha. "Of course, oath or no, there will always be one true knight willing to stand for his beloved Princess, even if his love isn't reciproc – "

WHOOSH! Jae Ha leapt before Hak's spear could annihilate him.

"Hak, a spear is not a toy to play with," scolded Soo Won with a barely audible hint of amusement in her tone.

"Who gave you permission to call me by name?" scowled Hak. "What are you doing here anyway? What happened to ruling the kingdom?"

"I have no idea what you're talking about," said Soo Won coolly.

Now he's toying with me? seethed Hak. Or is she really a Lady from a foreign land?

"Hak, I don't know why you're always being rude to M'Lady, but if you keep this up you're going to get a penalty," frowned Yona.

Jae Ha flashed a wink at the Princess. "Way to go, Yona."

"Jae Ha, I suggest you keep quiet before Thunder Beast really removes your eyes," said Yoon.