By the time Hak walked down to dinner with Tae-u and Tae-yeon, he was starting to feel more like himself again. Enough that he was sure he could face the princess now, despite the tornado in his stomach at the thought of it.

Speaking to her would be another story, of course. He turned over his words in his head, tasting the feel of them on his lips.

Your highness, would you join me for a walk? That felt too formal. Can we talk? Too casual. Princess, could I speak with you?

He wasn't confident in his ability to say anything to her at all. Maybe the best he could hope for was, Um. Hi. But she'd had all day to think about things, and she had promised they would talk. She always kept her promises.

It's alright if you're not ready. It's alright if you don't want it, really. Really.

That was all he needed to say. Hak didn't need much from the princess to be happy in life. Honestly, he'd take any scraps she would give him. If he could stay by her side as her protector, and the man she occasionally allowed to touch her, or even — gods forbid he'd be so blessed again — kiss her, then so be it. He was still the luckiest man in the country. Things were fine the way they were, so why'd he have to go and mess it all up?

He wished he could swallow the whole conversation about marriage back like it'd never happened. If he could erase it and set things back to how they'd been, he would. Because even if she was planning to reject him, he just wanted to see her face again. He wanted to hear her voice. He wanted to feel her hand in his. He wanted to… He wanted. Being separated from her like this was bad for his heart.

But when they all sat down to eat, there was a glaringly empty seat at the table.

"What do you mean the princess isn't coming to dinner?" Hak demanded.

"She's not feeling well." Lady Lili shrank under the weight of Hak's stare. "She wanted to talk with you, Lord Hak. But she needs to rest."

All the dragons snapped their heads up at that, and Lili cringed again, the bearer of bad news.

"She's not feeling well?" Jaeha frowned. "What's wrong with her?"

"She'll be fine, don't worry!" Lili waved a hand at them. "She just stayed in the sauna too long. It's heat sickness."

"I've never heard of such a thing." Gija leaned in, peering at her suspiciously. "What are the symptoms?"

"Well, she seemed dizzy and faint. Very tired." Lili played with her hands, avoiding their eyes. "We had to help her to bed."

"That sounds serious." Gija stood, pulling up Jaeha and Sinha on either side of him as he went. "Come, her highness needs us!"

"No, no!" Lili stood too, only to lean across the table, grab Gija by the shoulders and push him back down. "Trust me. I don't think she should have any visitors now."

The dragons all turned to Hak, their eyebrows raised expectantly. He could practically hear their thoughts. Surely he'd have something to say about that.

Hak's hands curled into fists at his sides. He should demand to see the princess, just like they all wanted. He should kick down her door and check on her for himself. But there was a voice in the back of his mind leashing him to the spot.

She can never eat when she's upset.

Lady Lili was her close friend. If the princess wanted to avoid him, Lili would cover for her. It would be one thing for the princess to make her own excuses, to dodge speaking to him. But to go so far as to skip dinner?

Had the idea of marrying him distressed her that much?

"It's normal for our guests who aren't used to the heat." Mundok shot Hak a knowing look, as if he could read his mind. "Thank you for taking care of her highness," he added, nodding to Lili.

Hak ducked his head. He couldn't look at any of them now, not when he could feel all their eyes on him. "If you're sure she's fine," he ground out the words.

"Totally fine!" Lili's voice was full of relief. "I'm sure she'll find you later, Lord Hak."

The conversation went on without him, his friends' voices fading to a faint buzzing in his ears. Princess. I never meant to cause you grief. It was the last thing he'd wanted.

Hak pictured her alone in her room, her knees curled into her chest, her head hung low. He wanted so badly to comfort her, but this was all his fault in the first place. Stupid, so stupid. Why had he ever listened to Mundok?

"Hak. You haven't touched your dinner." Jaeha bumped his shoulder. But Hak didn't deserve the concern.

"You should check on the princess later." He said, ignoring Jaeha's words. "She'd be glad to see you and the other dragons."

Jaeha sighed, dramatic as ever. Then he flicked Hak in the forehead.

"Ow!" Hak swatted him. "What was that for?"

"Your brooding has ruined my appetite." Jaeha shook his head. "Stop pouting. Whatever's on your mind, you're wrong."

Hak huffed. Jaeha was smart. Hadn't he put the pieces together too?

"I've been thinking," Gija cut in. He leaned around Jaeha, keeping his voice low. "I don't believe Lady Lili's story at all."

"Thank you," Hak muttered. At least he wasn't the only one with half a brain.

"Her highness is faint? Dizzy? Tired?" Gija went on. He gave them both a meaningful look. "That doesn't sound like heat sickness to me."

"What does it sound like?" Jaeha's eyebrow quirked at the words, his expression turning suspiciously amused. Hak's stomach dropped. It was never a good sign when he egged Gija on.

"It sounds like a feminine problem." Gija's blue eyes went round as he watched them, waiting for them to connect the dots like he so clearly had.

"You mean her monthly bleeding?" Zeno's voice startled them all, and they turned to find the yellow dragon standing behind them, leaning in close.

"Don't sneak up like that," Gija chided. "You could stop my heart."

"If we're having a council of the dragon brothers, Zeno wants to hear!" He grinned, voice drawing the attention of Mundok and the others around them. "Speak up."

"You hush!" Gija pulled him closer, but the damage was done. Hak rolled his eyes, wishing Yun was here to scold them. "And no, that's not what I meant," Gija added. "I meant the kind of feminine problem a man causes." He pinned Hak with his eyes, and there was an accusation in there somewhere.

Hak bristled. "Why are you looking at me?" Unless rejected marriage proposals were known to cause dizziness, in which case, he supposed he was to blame.

Jaeha threw his head back, not bothering to hide his laughter. "I think," he said, between chuckles, "Gija is suggesting dear Yona could be pregnant."

Gija raised his eyebrows, nodding seriously.

"That's —" Hak sputtered. "No! White Snake," he growled, as Mundok grabbed him by the ear.

"Is it true, boy?" Mundok tugged at him until Hak met his eyes. His words were dangerous, but not as wrathful as Hak would've expected. If he hadn't known better, he'd have said there was a hint of…hope…in the old man's voice.

"Impossible." Hak shook him off, glaring at Gija. "Which you all know. Unless…" He forced a grin. He couldn't let them rile him up like this. "Unless it was one of you."

Zeno and Jaeha laughed, but Gija's eyes went wide, affronted. "How dare you suggest such a thing!" He cried.

Sinha leaned in, inserting himself for the first time. "You know Yona would never…" His quiet voice trailed off, his sweet eyes turned down in concern.

"Hak knows, Sinha," Jaeha reassured him, ruffling the boy's hair. "He's deflecting. Not very well, I might add."

Hak stood all at once. Couldn't they just leave him to brood like he so clearly wanted? "I'm going to bed." He refused to look at any of them. "I don't feel well either."

"Don't make any side trips on your way." Mundok grabbed Hak's jacket, catching him before he could escape. "I posted a guard outside her highness's room this evening, in case you get any wrong ideas." Hak glanced down at the old man, surprised. Because yes, however guilty he felt, he'd already half-convinced himself to visit her anyway.

Mundok looked back at him, his good eye far too knowing. "Don't forget, the princess is an unwed woman in my care. If she's not feeling well, she doesn't need to be bothered by brutes like you." He paused, lips curling into a smirk. "Too bad you aren't her husband. Only the gods could separate you then."

Twist the knife, why don't you? Hak choked on his words. "Goodnight," he managed, eventually. He wrenched himself out of the old man's grasp, stalking away from everyone and their teasing. It was too much. Couldn't they see he was wounded and bleeding?

He went straight to his room — not that he had a choice — locking himself in the darkness. He ignored his bed, sitting with his back to the wall instead. He didn't deserve any comfort.

Princess, what are you thinking?

Was she upset at the thought of rejecting him? He rubbed a hand over his face, his thoughts chasing around helplessly. He knew she cared for him. She loved him. That's what she'd said, wasn't it?

Maybe the idea of marriage simply scared her. After what happened with Suwon, that wouldn't be surprising. The only man she'd ever wanted to marry had killed her father — that was bound to leave its mark.

Or maybe she just wasn't ready for the intimacy of it. He couldn't forget the way he'd pushed her too far that night after the flood, alone in that stupid storage shed. He'd thrown himself on her like some wild animal. His cheeks burned, ashamed of the way he'd so carelessly caved to his desires. Normally he tethered his restraint so tightly, even when it meant grasping at straws.

He couldn't justify his actions now, no matter how much he'd missed her, no matter how confused he'd been. By the time she'd finally stopped him, her cheeks were so red she'd practically glowed in the dark. She hadn't seemed to hold it against him, but he wouldn't blame her if she did. Maybe she was afraid to sleep alone in the same room with him now.

Something in Hak's chest crumpled at the thought. If he'd done anything to make her fear him, he'd never forgive himself.

Eventually he couldn't take it anymore. His restless legs carried him from his room, sneaking through the darkness outside the main compound. He followed his feet over dirt paths and across the grass without thought, keeping his head down. He didn't need to look where he was going. He didn't need to admit it.

Soon enough he was at the princess's window. For a moment he stared at it, doubting himself. She'd pummel him if she knew he'd spied on her. It was selfish, but he couldn't help it. He had to see her. He craved it.

Hak nudged the window with careful fingers, and it gave easily for him. Stupid. She was too trusting to keep it locked. He sighed. The window was large enough for a man to fit through, and low enough Hak could rest his arm on the ledge. It would be much, much too easy to let himself inside. But he wasn't going to take this that far. No. No. Shaking his head, he dared to brush her curtains aside. He just wanted to look.

It took a few moments for his eyes to find the shape of her in the dark. She was still, wrapped tightly under the covers. He struggled to pick out the details of her face. Then she shifted in her sleep, and the moon revealed itself from behind a cloud.

Suddenly she was bathed in silver light. Her hair fanned around her head like a halo, and her skin radiated in the night. She was an angel. No, no — she was an absolute goddess, and he had no right to kiss even the ground she walked on. Hak couldn't imagine why she'd allowed him to stay by her side for so long.

Gods, but he loved her.

Shamelessly he memorized the shapes of her, the curves of her cheeks and nose, the inviting part of her lips. After all, if she was planning to push him away, he might not get another chance.

She was so brave and strong, so caring and smart and poised. She was so many things, and so many masks that she wore to the world to meet their expectations. But in sleep the weight of the world came off her shoulders. This was how Hak liked to see her best. No masks, no expectations. Just the girl he loved.

Hak wasn't sure how long he stood there. Long enough to rest his arms and chin on the windowsill. Long enough to see the outline of her every time he closed his eyes.

Then she stirred. Creases marred her perfect forehead, and she gasped in her sleep, her hand clutching at the covers.

She's having a nightmare, he realized, standing up. His heart dropped as he watched her mouth curve down. She looked so pained…

The princess mumbled something, gasped again, and mumbled some more. Hak leaned forward, straining to hear.

"...k. Hak…" Her voice was soft as a kitten's mewl. Then she whimpered. "Hak!" She cried out his name this time, her hand reaching helplessly into the night. "Don't go…" A tear slipped down her cheek.

Something broke inside him. He grabbed onto the window, lifting himself up and into the room without a second thought.

He was by her side in a moment, taking her empty hand in his. He clutched it to his chest.

"Princess," he whispered. The last thing he wanted was to startle her. "It's okay. I'm right here."

Hak's free hand moved without permission, brushing her hair out of her face. His thumb lingered on her cheek, long after he'd wiped her tears away. Her skin was so warm and soft beneath his touch.

"Hak," she mumbled again, and the way she breathed his name sent a shiver down his spine.

"I'm here." He squeezed her hand. "Right here."

"Stay." The princess heaved a sigh, settling in her sleep. Her forehead smoothed, and the tension in Hak's chest eased a little. "Stay."

"Okay," he agreed. He'd do anything for her, even if she asked in her sleep. He allowed his hand the freedom to explore her face then, stroking across her forehead, her cheek, her chin. She'd asked him to stay, after all, and his fingers seemed to soothe her.

Hak didn't want her to wake. He was terrified at the thought, actually. She'd probably punch him when she realized the position they were in, how he'd invaded her privacy. In her sleep, she wanted him. But awake, the princess was a whole different beast.

Still. Still. He couldn't help but feel a little more daring after that display. Clearly, she wasn't afraid of him. At least deep down, she wanted him near her. His chest swelled at the thought, something warm and proud settling in his gut. He grinned to himself in the dark. She loved him. He knew she did.

So he leaned down, ever so slowly. He ran his fingers gently through her hair. He breathed in the smell of her. That scent was always so intoxicating it made his head spin. It was such a familiar mix of fresh flowers, clover and sunshine. And above all, home. She always smelled like home, but it was even stronger now, after she'd spent two days in the Wind Tribe, bathed in their water and dressed in their clothes. He released her hand then, something possessive taking over him. It was like he'd marked her just by bringing her here. And he wanted to claim her even more.

Hak cupped the princess's face in his hands, pressing his mouth to her forehead.

"I'll never let you go," he swore, kissing her again, lips moving to her cheek this time. He hovered there, longing to trail his mouth down the open expanse of her neck and onward beyond. But she really would deck him if she caught him doing that, and anyway he'd rather have her awake if he was going to take it that far.

He forced himself to lean back, sighing to himself. There were so many things he needed to say to her. So many things he needed her to know. He was toying with the idea of waiting for her to wake after all when he heard footsteps on the other side of the door.

"Princess?" Mundok's voice called, and Hak jolted to his feet. No way could the old man catch him here — he'd be skinned alive, and only if he was lucky.

Hak threw himself through the window, sliding it closed just as the glow of candlelight entered the room. He pressed his back to the wall, taking a deep breath. That was close.

His heart was still racing when he heard a voice from the shadows.

"Hak? What're you doing here?"

Hak started, turning to find Jaeha not ten feet away, holding a lantern and a bottle of wine.

"Shut up!" Hak hissed, rushing to him as quietly as he could. He grabbed Jaeha by the wrist, pulling them away from the princess's room. "What are you doing here?" He added, once they were well and safely clear of her entire wing.

"Looking for you," Jaeha grinned, watching him with knowing eyes. "Was that dear Yona's room you were in?"

"Forget that," Hak huffed, though he knew he'd be teased mercilessly for this. "What do you want?"

"I thought you'd like to have a drink with me." He pushed the bottle into Hak's hands. "You look like you could use one."

Hak rolled his eyes. "Do I have a choice?"

"No," Jaeha laughed. He turned, gesturing for Hak to follow. "Besides, I heard some interesting gossip this evening. I think you'd want to know about it."

"Gossip?" Hak scoffed, but he followed the man anyway. "From who?"

"Everyone!" He was practically bursting with excitement. "The whole town's talking about it. But I had a very interesting conversation with Lady Tetra in particular."

Hak kicked a pebble, glaring at the back of Jaeha's head. "Spit it out, Droopy Eyes."

Jaeha turned around then, grinning so brightly Hak could swear he saw sparkles shooting off him. "They're saying the princess was never engaged to King Suwon." He wiggled his eyebrows. "Because she's in love with our very own Lord Hak."

Hak stopped in his tracks, and suddenly all the weight seemed to leave his body.

"Who…" He sputtered. "Who said that?" He shook his head, willing away the buzzing in his ears. "What else did you hear?"

Jaeha patted him on the head, looking far too pleased with himself. The sadist. "I'll tell you if you come have a drink with me!"

He ran ahead then, and Hak had no choice but to follow.

"...cess? Princess."

"Hak?" Yona mumbled, a familiar voice pulling her out of the fog.

"Sorry, no." The voice laughed. "Just an old man with some chicken porridge."

"Mundok." Yona sat up, blinking back the stars behind her eyes.

"Careful," Mundok rushed to help her, grabbing behind her arm. "You still seem a little woozy. The heat from our sauna can do that to you."

Yona nodded, squinting at him. She was always glad to see Mundok, but she couldn't help the pang of disappointment in her chest. For a moment she'd really thought Hak was here with her, and she ached at the loss of him.

"I'm okay, don't worry." She accepted the bowl Mundok passed her, forcing a smile of gratitude. There was no reason to dwell on it, not especially with how closely Mundok was watching her. "You know this is my favorite."

"Of course," the old man grinned. "I was worried when you didn't come to dinner, and Lady Lili said you weren't feeling well."

"Oh no." Yona groaned. She realized her candles were lit again, the sky fully dark through the window outside. "I missed dinner?" She must have slept longer than she thought.

"Yes, and your dragon friends all fretted over it." He patted her head, giving her a knowing smile. "But Hak more than all of them. He's a real mother hen sometimes, that boy."

"Oh!" Yona felt the blood rush to her cheeks. "I need to talk to him."

Mundok caught her as she tried to rise. "Nope." He sat her down, pushing a spoon into her hand. "You need to eat, and you need to rest. It's quite late," he added. "Hak and the others already went to bed."

Yona deflated. "I see." She took a grudging bite of food while Mundok watched, though it turned to ash in her mouth.

Mundok considered her. "What troubles you, your highness?"

She took a deep breath, setting the bowl down with a sigh. "Mundok," she started, not sure what she wanted to say until the words came spilling out of her. "Do you regret letting Hak become my bodyguard?"

"Hmm?" Mundok sat back, his eyebrows raised. "He was fifteen. Practically a grown man. The choice was his, not mine."

"I'm sure you could have stopped him." Yona's voice was petulant, even for her. "Didn't you miss him?"

Mundok frowned. "Of course! I saw him regularly at the palace though, you know that."

"Yes, but…" Yona bit her lip. "I feel like I stole him from you. From the whole Wind Tribe. He was your general and he just gave that all up, for me. Did you ever…" She hesitated. "Did you ever hate me for it? I wouldn't blame you if you did."

"Never!" Mundok huffed, indignant. "Why would I — your highness, where did you get such ideas?"

If she was being honest with herself, it was how she'd feel if anyone took Hak from her now. But part of her still wanted to give him back, while she still could. Before she claimed him forever.

"You didn't steal him," Mundok said, when she was quiet. "It was Hak's choice."

What a choice, Yona thought, when the King of the land had asked it of him. She'd been just a girl back then, only twelve. Hak had looked out for her forever, as long as she could remember, and he'd always made her feel safe. It felt right at the time, when he pledged himself to her and her father. It made sense. But looking back, she couldn't help but feel she should've stopped him. Had he known what he was signing up for then?

Mundok hummed, reading the look on her face. "Can I tell you a secret, Princess?"

"A secret?" Yona frowned. "Yes."

He grinned. "I was the one who gave King Il the idea to make Hak your bodyguard."

"What?" Yona gaped at him.

"The king and I were conspirators, you see." He winked at her. "We thought one day you and Hak might be married. We wanted you to have more time to spend together."

Yona felt as if her spirit had left her body. "Why would you — you what?"

Mundok watched her, something twinkling in his eyes. "You think your father never thought about who his heir would be?"

Honestly, Yona had never considered it until he told her she couldn't have Suwon. Suddenly, years' worth of her father's compliments of Hak came flooding back. He'd always been talking Hak up, had constantly encouraged her to be nicer, had left them alone countless times...

"Well, but." She sputtered. "I never knew he wanted —"

"Hak?" Mundok finished for her, taking pity. "Most of his advisors wanted to marry you off to Ju-do. Would you have preferred that?"

"Ju-do?" Yona blanched. "No! What? Really?"

Mundok threw his head back in a laugh. "Poor man, I believe that's why he stayed single all those years. He was saving himself for you."

The look on her face must have said it all. Mundok laughed even harder, gripping his stomach for support. "Oh, I think your father knew you'd feel that way." He wiped a tear from his eye. "Maybe you'd have preferred the Fire Tribe chief's sons, Kyo-Ga or Tae-Jun?"

"Death," Yona said, faintly. "I would have preferred death."

"Oh really?" Mundok wheezed with laughter. "But they're so eligible!"

"Ha, ha." Yona crossed her arms, unamused.

Mundok let out a last few chuckles, giving her a knowing look. "But then there was Hak," he said. "You always adored him. You followed him around like a puppy when you were little, do you remember?"

Yona huffed. "I did not."

"And when he was only nine, Hak beat up those kidnappers to keep you safe, that day you went out into Kuuto," Mundok went on, his voice taking on a tone of pride. "The king started speaking with me about the idea of your marriage shortly thereafter."

"But you betrothed Hak to Ayame," Yona protested. "Why would you do that if…"

Mundok puffed out his lips, exasperated. "That was when they were eight! How could I have known the king's ideas?" He frowned. "Besides, we both wanted you to choose it for yourselves. The king would never have forced you to take a husband you didn't want."

"I thought he needed an heir?" Yona narrowed her eyes.

"He would have made you his heir, silly." Mundok sighed, shaking his head. "It was only his advisors who demanded a man. Besides," he added, "the king never wanted you to be alone. He knew how lonely you were, growing up in the palace without a mother or friends. He wanted someone to always be by your side. We both agreed Hak could be that someone, and he proved us right, didn't he?"

Yona pressed her palms to her eyes, but she couldn't stop a fresh wave of tears from falling. "He did," she agreed, her voice thick. "So many times."

"Why are you crying, your highness?" Mundok pulled her into his side then, wrapping his arms around her. "There, there, it's nothing to be sad about. I'm sure King Il is smiling at you from heaven." He brushed away her tears. "I'm sure he's proud of you and all you've done. I'm sure he's proud of Hak, too. I know I'm proud." He sighed, and Yona buried her face in his chest. "I'm sure he's very happy for you both, too. He'd be so glad to see you're in love. I know I am."

Yona jerked back, looking up at Mundok's face. He was smiling at her, a small tear pooling in his eye.

"Thank you," she gasped, before her vision clouded over with more tears. She fell back into his arms, squeezing him as tightly as she could.

"For what?" He wheezed, and Yona couldn't help but laugh. She released him, wiping at her eyes.

"For giving me a family." She sniffed, smiling up at him. "You're the grandfather I never had. And Hak…" She squeezed his hand. "Thank you for giving me Hak."

"I did nothing, Princess." He squeezed her hand right back. "It was always his choice."

Yona nodded, licking the salt of another tear off her lips. "Well. Thank you for your blessing. It means a lot."

"Huh?" Mundok stretched, sitting back on his hands. "I never said you had my blessing."

"What?" Yona frowned, wondering if she'd imagined everything he'd just said.

The old man smiled, a mischievous glint to his eye. "I won't be satisfied until you and Hak are married." His words turned serious. "Princess, I'm not getting any younger. I want to see your babies!"

Her voice cracked. "My what?"

Mundok grinned. "You and Hak would make the cutest babies, don't you think?"

"We would," Yona agreed, dazed, then froze with embarrassment. "I mean…"

"Ha, ha!" Mundok chuckled. "Why not get started now? The New Year is a lucky time to be married, after all."

Yona lost her voice in the heavens. "Get started now?"

"Well, at least start practicing," Mundok allowed. "I know you're very busy at the moment, solving international conflicts and stopping wars and all that. And you'll probably want a year or two to adjust to married life, I understand. You're young." He winked. "But don't keep me waiting! I want to see you chasing around lots of little Haks before I die, do you hear me?"

"Lots?" Yona's head spun.

"Naturally." Mundok stroked his beard, nodding. "I can sense that you and Hak will be prolific. But don't worry!" He added, at the look on her face. "Everyone in Fuuga will help you take care of your children."

The idea hit Yona in a funny way. "They will?"

"This is your home, after all." Mundok took her hand, and she was struck by the earnest look in his eye. "Of course, you have much traveling to do, many important matters to address. But when you and Hak need to rest, you'll come here," he said. "When you become pregnant for the first time, and Hak worries over you like a mother hen, you'll come and have your baby here." He ignored Yona's blush. "When the country is at peace and you're ready to settle down, you'll come here." He sighed, watching her. "Won't you, Princess?"

Yona swallowed back more tears. Hiryuu Castle was gone now, and Kuuto still felt foreign to her. No matter what happened in the future, Mundok was right.

"Yes," she smiled, laughing along with him. "Yes, we will. This is home."