The Dawn of A New Sky - DISCONTINUED

XXXII

Rest Tonight

"Haa~" I accidentally let out a tired sigh.

I paused. Did Hak hear me?

It seemed that Hak did indeed hear me since he stopped his trek right away. He turned to look at me. "Are you alright, Princess?" He asked in a concerned tone.

Seriously, to think that I am this out of shape. I thought, annoyed. I've been taking it way too easy. If Reborn were here... I immediately shuddered at the thought. (Internally)

I laughed sheepishly. "I'm okay, Hak, I can still go on. Don't worry too much." I told him, waving it off.

He stared at me for second before shaking his head. "Don't go overestimating yourself now, Princess. I can clearly see that you're tired. We'll rest for tonight and continue our journey tomorrow."

"But - "

"Princess."

I pouted. "Geez. Fine, you worrywart!" I crossed my arms together as I took a seat against the trunk of the nearest tree. I closed my eyes as I leaned back.

I suddenly heard the sound of Hak taking a seat right across me.

There was a moment of silence between us before I spoke up.

"To think that Soo-Won would go so far for revenge." I said, my eyes still closed. "He must have had lot of bitter emotions about the king hidden underneath that kind exterior of his."

"Princess - " Hak was about to speak but I cut him off.

"I wonder if he hated me too." I muttered before I sighed. "It has already happened though. There is nothing else that we can do about it now. The king is dead and they are probably searching for us right at this very moment."

I paused.

"Ne, Hak."

I heard a slight shuffle coming from his direction.

"What is it, Princess?"

"This will be a difficult journey. We will be on the run for a long time." I said as doubt started filling my mind. "D-Do you still want to stay with me?"

He remained silent. 

Perhaps he was having second thoughts.

"You could still leave if you want. I can continue the journey alone - " I began but he cut me off this time.

"Don't be a fool!" He said as he suddenly pulled me into a hug. My eyes snapped open, widening at his sudden action. "You think I can leave you alone? I promised Emperor Il that I would protect you and I'm not backing out from that promise!"

"If it's like that then," I told him, gripping his clothes in my hand as I leaned against him. "Hak, don't you dare die on me. Otherwise, I'll never forgive you."

"Ah," I murmured softly as my eyes began to drift close again.

I must have been more tired than I thought.   

The last thing I heard before entering dreamland was:

"Yes, Princess Yona."