Eternity Bound - A Yona of the Dawn Fanfic

Chapter 3 - Broken Seal

Yona of the Dawn Anime: Episode 1-2

Word Count: 2,300+ words

Five days later, the day of Princess Yona's sixteenth birthday finally came, with a large party being held within the Crimson Dragon Castle. The Palace was decorated even more immaculately than usual, and the great hall was packed with noble guests.

All were quick to greet the Princess — who was now of age — and pay their respects to her, wishing her a happy birthday and bowing. Yona was dressed in her favorite pink robes, with a new overcoat that bore a beautiful camellia pattern. A splendid golden headpiece sat on her head, bejeweled with the finest gems in the kingdom.

As usual, Jang-mi was positioned close to the Princess; she was also more well-dressed than usual at Yona's request... well... more her command. The handmaiden was often seen by others of the court as Princess Yona's favorite "accessory," unaware of their special bond.

For all of her spoiled behavior, Yona was quite empathic when it came to others' emotions and had noticed her friend had seemed... off. So, she tried to make her birthday special not only for herself but also for the handmaiden.

Still, Jang-mi couldn't get over the feeling of intrusion she'd felt that night... she still felt displaced, and she couldn't figure out why. She didn't even catch Min-soo's timid attempts to get her attention and cheer her up despite his apparent nervousness around her.

"Soo-won!"

The sound of Yona's call to her cousin startled the handmaiden out of her daze, prompting her to quickly trail after the Princess despite the King's calls of protest and Min-soo's dismayed sigh that she barely heard. Princess Yona was still upset with her father ... for rejecting her feelings for Soo-won. Jang-mi was especially sour about that, too.

Soo-won led the pair outside into the hall near the gardens. "W-What is it?"Yona asked, her attention entirely focused on her cousin.

Jang-mi felt some part of her tell her to keep a distance from the pair, which she did. Rather than flank Yona as she usually would, the handmaiden stood at the end of the hall, leaning back against one of the crimson support pillars.

"A hairpin?"

I can still hear them... why do I feel this way?

"I apologize for giving it to you out here... I just thought it would suit you and wanted to give it to you in person."

I've always tried to encourage them, now things are finally starting to pick up... why do I feel so... wrong?

"My hair... it's so curly and red, and I can't do anything with it. I won't look nice in this."

Am I... jealous?

"What?"

No... that's not it. I know I don't have those kinds of feelings for either of them.

"I like your hair, Yona. Beautiful crimson... just like the blush of dawn."

Then, what is this feeling? It hurts... I think I've felt it before... but I can't remember when.

"Hak?!"

Jang-mi was once again snapped from her thoughts when Hak appeared seemingly out of nowhere... likely spoiling the moment between Soo-won and Princess Yona. Only now did Jang-mi find the will to stand by her Princess's side again.

"The King was looking for you, "Hak said, arms crossed over his chest while giving the Princess a scrutinizing look.

"R-Really?"The Princess flinched slightly, still unwilling to face her father just yet. "Tell him I'm resting in my room."She huffed, turning and walking away from the trio.