Memories

At that moment I simply looked indignantly at the young genius,

“You don't care? How can you not?! Why do you care that I lied about not being sick, but not about something as important as being queen?” I felt anger boil up inside me, but it actually felt more like fear than anything else. My mind whirled with thoughts and emotions as Yoon grabbed my wrist and I felt my legs almost give out and my breath come out heavy.

“How can you think we would care about something like that? Yona is a princess, what difference does it make if we add a queen into the bunch? We care about you, not your title! You’re our friend and Yona would never forgive herself if you were pushing yourself for her sake. If you’re sick then tell us what you need to get better. You have to talk to us Shoe.” Yoon was almost panting from speaking in one breath, but the intensity in his eyes made me blink.

His tight grip on my wrist was shaking and he was practically in tears as I looked at him slack-jawed. His lips trembled for a moment before he spoke, voice cracking ever so slightly,

“I thought… I thought you were going to die when you got shot with that arrow. I was scared because I care about you, so don’t ever think we’re going to treat you differently just because of a stupid thing like title or position.” He lowered his head to hide his emotions and I felt myself become flustered at the sight. I was never good when it came to comforting crying people, but I slipped my hand from his grip and enveloped my palm into his, looking away as I spoke,

“...I’m sorry.” It came out as a whisper as he rose his head to me, though I still couldn't bring myself to look at him.

“I’ll try to be more careful - it’s just…” I trailed off as I grabbed a patch of my dark hair in frustration,

“Usually when someone finds out who I am I suddenly become ‘Miss-Most-Important’ and I don’t like it when people fawn over me too much. I want to do things on my own and have people treat me as just another person.” My eyes lifted to Yoon once soft laughter touched my ears. The wet cheeked boy was chuckling to himself, trying to wipe his face with his free arm.

“Are you really an adult or a queen for that matter?” His voice was full of playfulness as he squeezed our linked hands, taking a deep breath,

“Okay, we are not moving till you get better, understand?” Before I could speak the young boy was dragging me by my hand back into the center of the camp and to the already set up tents. Yona was fidgeting near the head of the tent Yoon was heading towards and I shot her a smile before the genius pushed me into the tent.

Yona quickly entered after us and tied the flaps shut before turning to me,

“We should probably change your bandages.” Yona said calmly as her eyes went to my clothes and I instantly went on guard, hugging myself as I scooted backwards slightly,

“I can do it myself…” I felt my face drain; too much about myself was being let out into the open and I wanted to protect this last secret a little longer. Yoon raised an eyebrow at me as he came closer and tried to tug at my clothes,

“She's right, this isn't the time to be shy about yourself. Come on.” I could tell he was still upset from earlier and would have none of my insolence, but I still refused, shaking my head.

Yona giggled, thinking me shy, but I could feel my blood run cold as we all had a staring contest for a few minutes until I grit my teeth and turned my back onto them. I unwrapped my cloak from around myself and slowly let it slip to the ground, showing the scars littering my back.
I could taste the tension inside the tent and I could feel their stares focus on the center of my back. I fought off the tears. At least they weren’t as bad as the ones on my stomach, so in this unsavory situation I chose to opt out of showing the worst of myself, but the lashes stretched around my whole body; I could never escape them.
“Let’s get that old bandage off.” Yoon spoke carefully, not mentioning the scars purposefully as he started to unravel the discoloured cloth. I stayed silent as the air touched my bosom, everyone remained quiet-except for the whispers outside that indicated the others had returned- which seemed appropriate since it was quite embarrassing.

Was it really that surprising for a warrior of my age though? I've been into more fights then my scars told of and I'm bound to get more, but for people who've just started to fight it must be a shock.

Yona helped Yoon re-do my bandage, she sticking the first piece onto my skin near my breast since Yoon was still a man and was slightly flustered at that part. Having Yona do it was still awkward on my behalf though. After he tied off the new cloth I was pushed onto my back gently-covering my stomach quickly with my cloak-the world rushing past me in a strange sensation as I felt woozy again.

“I'll go get the lavender from my bag and wet a cloth for your head. Be back in a second.” Yoon spoke as he was already halfway through the tent flap. His voice could be heard outside as he spoke to the others, it slowly fading till it left Yona and I all alone.

“Are you going to ask about my scars?” I asked softly as I brought my cloak closer around myself. Yona seemed uncomfortable at the question as she casted her eyes down,

“No, it's none of my business.” She spoke fairly clearly, making me shut my eyes and embrace the comfort of the darkness it produced for me. I took a large breath, steeling myself as I spoke,
“Some of them are from my dad. When I spoke out of turn lashes were given. The others are from when I was almost sold in a slave trade because of my unique blood.” I sighed as I looked at Yona. She looked rather conflicted, maybe even devastated as she pressed a hand against my own. It felt cold to the touch compared to mine.

“I’m sorry.” Yona whispered and I couldn’t help but to smile, laughing a bit.

“No need to be sorry, Princess. It was a long time ago.” She had tears falling from her eyes, making me blink with surprise. She clutched my hand tighter as I watched her trembling form carefully. For a moment there was silence; all I could hear was her softly crying and I couldn’t really tell what it was for.
“Princess.” I muttered as my eyes grew soft at the sight of her. She shook her head before speaking,

“I hurt you, and you’ve lived with a lot of emotional pain. I can’t imagine how it is. I hold nothing but fond memories of my father, but I hear much different sides from everyone else.” It seemed like Yona had her own emotional pain. I sat up and wrapped my arms around her, smiling.

Author's Note

Almost done

Reviews

[AliciaB]

I like the depth we see in Yona's character here. In a way, she feels bad that other people have gone through a lot of pain that she herself hasn't experienced. That's something I can relate to. Nice work!