Hak's eyes flash as he turns to see Tae-Woo. It's only moments since the princess left their morning encounter in the woods.

Tae-Woo approaches, red-faced and trying not to look at Hak, "The king called for the Wind's troops to join at the border of Kai. Gramps thought I could catch up to warn you. Things are getting tense over there," then with apology, "I didn't mean to see."

It's the wavering voice of a boy trying to be respectful despite having just seen the image of his idol put into question.

Hak is mortified, embarrassed, not sure what to say, "...thanks for the message."

Before, they might have joked around or caught up in this moment. Today, they stand in awkward silence. Tae-Woo finally turns and walks away with his head down.

Hak can't leave it like this, calls after, "The princess and I's relationship is complicated. I'd appreciate it if you didn't mention this to Gramps."

Tae-Woo's eyes go wide at that thought, "Yeah, I'd… rather not, " he stops, turns his face, "This is why only you can be her bodyguard and you won't come back?"

"Mm," Hak confirms with a grunt.

"Going that far could get you both into a lot of trouble, Lord Hak."

Argh, so complicated, but Hak can't explain, "...that's true."

"Pretty soon she's probably gonna have to marry some important person's son or something, right?"

Hak also cannot answer that.

"You should still think about coming back. Some other guy is gonna take your place with her. But no one can be who you are to the Wind Tribe."

For a split second that stings Hak - old insecurities die hard. He exhales in defeat, then lies, "I'll think about it."

Hak gives Tae-Woo a parting fistbump while secretly cursing this secrecy crap in his head. And that he can't put his brand all over a certain troublesome, intoxicating, "out-of-his-reach" redhead.

"Thank you," Yona whispers with embarrassment to Jae-Ha as they ride with the Dark Dragon and the rest of the Happy Hungry Bunch into Saika. He had suggested she ride side-saddle when he noticed her wince in pain during mounting. Riding astride was only going exacerbate the issue with every step. He also took off his overcoat so she could use it as a cushion for her bottom. Ever the gentleman. A very experienced gentleman.

Jae-Ha very much enjoys imagining what happened to make her so sore. Hak, that animal. So shy with her all these years, then the second she's his… my, my. As his indecent smile only grows...

Fucking the princess against a tree?! Hak seriously questions what the hell has gotten into him as he rides alongside everyone. He lost his mind back there. If he had thought he was at her mercy before, well then, now he really has something to think about. He glances over at the small woman watching forward majestically on Jae-Ha's horse, head held confidently, red waves now down to just below her shoulders. There is no other woman like this one.

And he had been a virgin, too, you know. Since experiencing sex with her… it's been hard to think about anything else. She should really take care of herself, though. I know that was hurting her, he grumbles internally. Maybe he needs to be more clear she doesn't need to push herself for his sake. Maybe he needs to be stronger about playing his part in keeping their relationship invisible. Tae-Woo seeing that was troublesome enough.

Between winces, Yona glances over and wonders why Hak is cringing. Jae-Ha sees it too and lets his imagination go wild.

"We were overjoyed when we heard you were alive," Kyo-Ga welcomes the princess with what would appear to be warm affection. She's guarded with her trust of anyone connected to Soo-Won these days, though the welcome at Saika Castle this afternoon has been grand and respectful.

"The peace negotiations with Xing have revealed a wealth of potential for Kouka," Kyo-Ga continues, glancing over at Shin-Ah, Zeno, Kija, and Jae-Ha, of whom through Tae-Jun he's heard stories of great strength though not of their otherworldly powers, "And to have your warriors fight alongside the Fire Tribe's troops, we are honored."

Seated across from Yona, he takes a drink, his eyes falling on Hak over his glass. Yona's dark-haired companion stands at the perimeter of the great room watching the scene with piercing eyes. While news of the princess' survival spread like a joyous wildfire after Xing, any official commentaries on her bodyguard, rumored kidnapper and murderer of King Il, were snuffed out… leaving many with lingering suspicion.

Kyo-Ga confides to Yona, "While I know the king waits for you to join his side at the border with Kai, I want you to know that you are always welcome to the comfort of our castle here in Saika."

"I appreciate that, thank you. Though I'm most comfortable visiting each tribe in my country and learning the struggles of the people directly."

"...it's clear why my brother is so taken with you."

"Tae-Jun has become a great man for this tribe," Yona offers sincerely, only to look up and see him standing there with tears in his eyes.

"Your Highness…"

Yona rises and hugs Tae-Jun, to everyone in the room's surprise. A curious smile rises on Kyo-Ga's face while Hak for the first time averts his gaze to an opposite wall.

"Perhaps a more private reunion is in order?" Jae-Ha chimes in after noticing Kyo-Ga eyeing Hak and Hak looking away from Tae-Jun, "A walk in the garden? The princess could use some fresh air. Me too, for that matter."

"The beacon worked!" Tae-Jun is overjoyed as he walks alongside Yona, still wildly emotional just by being near her, "As soon as I heard that peace was reached with Xing - though I never doubted Your Highness for a moment - but to hear you succeed at saving thousands of lives… I am in constant awe."

"It wouldn't have been possible without your help, Tae-Jun," Yona beams back, "It delayed Soo-Won long enough for the Wind Tribe to create a peaceful atmosphere with Xing," she flashes bright eyes back at Hak who follows directly behind with Jae-Ha, then, "By the time the king arrived, it was clear war would have been exorbitant."

With sincere worry, "Are you sure you want to go to Kai, Your Highness?"

'You'll be there too, right?"

"Yes, alongside my brother and our troops. But now that your identity is known… I worry about your safety. I know how passionately you serve your subjects, but I can't bear to imagine…"

Yona places a hand on Tae-Jun's hands clutched against his chest in dread, "I need to do this."

He nods understanding, then suddenly meets eyes with Hak, who looks murderous.

"My apologies! I know… you two…"

"No, no, no… no, no," Jae-ha inserts, "That didn't work out. Very sensitive subject," then whispers in Yona's ear, "Dear, Hak and I need to discuss an important matter. We'll be right back," then takes her hand from on Tae-Jun's, gives it a gentle peck, and then walks away signaling Hak follow.

Hak, of course, does not follow, so Jae-Ha ends up practically dragging him away.

Tae-Jun and Yona are left in a mild wtf was that situation. Yona picks the conversation back up, "To be honest… I'm worried that this war with Kai is my fault. To prevent one war, I've caused another."

"War with Kai was imminent, Your Highness," Tae-Jun comforts.

"If I'd had a chance to speak with Li Hazara this time-"

"Your Majesty!" Tae-Jun is now desperate, "You must not-"

"I'm so sorry!" Yona remembers the death of Tae-Jun's father Soo-Jin in the failed coup d'etat with Li Hazara, "I spoke before thinking... now forcing you and your brother to face him again," she feels awful.

Her pain troubles Tae-Jun further, "Forgive me for doing this, Your Majesty, but I care for you too deeply. I wouldn't be able to live with myself if I didn't make this known to you," he gets down onto one knee holding her hand - Hak watches in shock from afar with Jae-Ha pressing his dragon's foot into Hak's foot to hold him put - Tae-Jun professes, "You are the most precious gem in this kingdom. Through cruel injustice you have been forced to travel in discomfort and rogue company, challenged with meeting unreasonable and ruthless leaders. I cannot bear the thought of one of them laying harm to you… if at any point your heart is moved to this end, I would welcome you to live here with me in comfort. I could provide for you a life almost matching what you once had. You would still be able to visit your subjects. I would be supportive of and faithful to you in every way."

Yona's draw is dropped. She immediately glances over at Hak and shakes her head "no" for please don't come over here and kill this man. The aura of the fury of the Dark Dragon can be felt all the way from where she's standing. Jae-Ha is amused but getting a no-joke workout.

Yona then looks back down at Tae-Jun, "I'm touched by how you see me, Tae-Jun. I can assure you I'm a more difficult girl to care for than you might imagine. But I'll carry your words with me and honor them by doing my best to stay safe on my journeys."

He rises, still glowing toward her, "As long as my feelings are known to you and you always remember you have a home here, then I am happy."

Soo-Won walks through the Sky Tribe's camp at the border with Kai. Keishuk and Joo-Doh walk in pace behind him and altogether they are one regal, frightening trio.

They pass by tent after tent after tent, thousands of men camped, preparing weapons, training. Li Hazara better be prepared, because it looks like Kouka is ready for a serious war.

As Soo-Won makes the round into his personal tent, he finds Lili waiting for him there. Keishuk and Joo-Doh's eyes go wide - how. Inappropriate.

"Why did you ask for me to come in here?" Lili complains.

Keishuk and Joo-Doh look at each other to make sure they're both hearing this.

"If you'll please excuse us," Soo-Won asks innocently.

The two men leave in mutual frustration. This frickin' king.

"I wanted to ask you about Min-Soo," Soo-Won explains, "And ask if any of the men here are giving you a hard time."

Lili is surprised by both inquiries, "You don't need to worry about me…"

"You're the only girl in a group of ten thousand plus men, don't get the wrong idea. I'm thinking of your father."

"Ho," Lili raises her eyebrows, "I've been able to take care of myself just fine. Want me to send a letter to inform my father?"

Totally ignoring all her sass, "I'd like you to draft a letter calling Min-Soo here."

"Huh?"

"A favor."

"Ok…" Lili watches him leave just like that. Argh, this guy is infuriating! She wanted to at least ask him about Yona getting here...

The Fire Tribe leaders begged Yona and her bunch to stay at Saika Castle for the night, but she declined… citing she really needs to get to the Kai border asap. And though she didn't mention it, somehow she's even more comfortable sleeping in the wilderness these days. Just she and her boys and the moon.

They left in two groups - the first to set camp up - Hak, Kija, Yun, and Shin-Ah - and the second to finish up alignments in Saika - Yona, Jae-Ha, and Zeno.

Yona is on horseback with Jae-Ha when they hear it - a child crying. They quickly ride toward the sound to find a little dark-haired boy and his mother huddled against a tree.

"Are you alright?" Yona reaches out to them.

For the longest time they are reluctant to speak. Seeing their distress, Yona offers them her coat and the little food they have on them. After an hour of quiet sitting and occasional comforting smiles, the mother finally confides, "We're from Kai."

Yona looks to Zeno and Jae-Ha, the weight of this falling on them.

"How did you end up so far away from home?"

"We live near the border. The troops have been camped out there for days. Thousands of men, with weapons that look like…" there is true terror in this mother's eyes.

Yona runs a caring hand over the small child's head, then looks into the mother's eyes, "You were trying to get him away from the war?"

She nods.

"When is the last time you ate?"

The mother looks at Yona in a way that she immediately understands. Too long.

Yona turns to Zeno, "Take them to Tae-Jun. Tell him it's for me. He'll take care of them."

Zeno nods, "Of course, Little Miss," and offers them up onto his horse.

Before they leave, the mother, clutching her child, meets eyes with Yona - eternally grateful for this kindness. For saving them.

As Yona heads to camp with Jae-Ha, she starts sobbing between his arms. He moves the reins into one hand and uses his free arm to pull her close against him, "My dear, it's alright."

"This is my fault. And I'm not sure how to stop it this time."

All the masculinity in Jae-Ha screams for him to kiss the top of her head, to pull her into his arms and make her forget about her pain, but he abstains, "We'll do whatever we can to help the people on both sides."

"I'm not like him, Jae-Ha. He's always thinking so far ahead. I just see the person crying in front of me and help them, not realizing who it might cost down the road."

This angers Jae-Ha, he knows who the "he" she's talking about is and he's glad she's nothing like "him," "There's rarely a cost down the road. What you do is beautiful, Dear, the most beautiful…," he stops himself again, rephrases, "Never change. Never question the value of you."

When Jae-Ha and Yona arrive at their little camp for the night, Hak is waiting for them, all nerves. When he sees Yona's tear-strewn face, he's hit with a painful shock.

"What happened?!"

"Give me a second," Jae-Ha pleads. He gets her into her tent, takes his coat off of her, and looks into her eyes, "I find rules to be too restrictive in life. So you tell me - do you need him tonight?"

Within moments, Jae-Ha is walking out of the tent to Hak. When he stops, he begs in a command, "Comfort her."