Yona of the Dawn (暁のヨナ)

Princess Yona.

We should really get going.

It's cold here. Isn't it?

We are on the edge of the mountains.

In my time at the castle,

I never knew the cold beyond its walls.

That life is gone now.

I was born in the Kohka Kingdom.

The Crimson Dragon castle was my home.

My father, King Il, had produced no male heir,

and had no queen to bear him a prince

to ascend to the throne.

Our family consisted of the king and me,

his only beloved, fifteen-year-old daughter.

This year marks the tenth anniversary

of the death of my father, the great King Junam.

Our cherished land of Kohka

is a small kingdom with powerful neighbors.

We have been plunged into wars with them

countless times in the past.

Where's the princess?

I believe she's still in her chambers,

prepping for the event, sir.

Oh, that's right.

Must be 'cause he's coming today.

Huh?

What a child.

My daughter, Yona, will soon turn sixteen.

For her sake and yours,

I pray that my ancestor, the Crimson Dragon King,

will continue to shower blessings

upon our beloved nation forever!

Long live King Il!

Long live King Il!

You look absolutely stunning, Princess.

Please, forgive my rushing you, but we should be there already.

Not yet! This isn't right.

What did I do with that new calico chintz I had on before?

Father! Did I miss it?

Yes, my dear. The ceremony is over.

No way!

I'm sorry. I lost track.

No worries.

After all, it was merely a formality, my dear.

It was not necessary for you to make an appearance today.

Father, be honest with me.

Do you think my red hair is weird-looking?

Huh? Of course I don't think that!

You are the most beautiful girl in the entire Kohka Empire!

Yeah! I do think that's true.

I was blessed with a beautiful face, if I do say so myself.

But my hair! It's the worst.

It's just so bright red, and it's impossible to control.

It won't behave! And on today of all days!

Darling, your hair is gorgeous.

Hak. Tell her.

Your hair's lovely, Princess.

There's nothing weird about it.

In fact, everyone in the kingdom admires it.

Your hair's perfectly normal.

It's your brain that's weird.

Silence, servant!

Father, punish this cretin!

He's not allowed to talk to me like that!

Now, now.

The way you fight,

it's hard to believe you're childhood friends.

And let's not forget that Hak is one of the five generals

charged with protecting our castle.

He's the Wind Clan's greatest--

I couldn't care less!

Why couldn't you find a charming man to protect us?

You're one to talk, Princess.

If you ask me, you could use some charm, too.

Huh?

You know, since your boyfriend's visiting.

Su-won is here.

Ugh! Why didn't you say something earlier?

Su-won?

Is that why she was worried about her hair?

He's seen it her whole life, why worry now?

She's developed a crush on him lately, I guess.

Princess, come back!

My love! He's here!

Sweet Su-won, who's been by my side

since we were kids and was always so kind.

My cousin, who's three years older than me.

Today, after so long, I get to...

...see him!

I see you're just as full of energy as ever, Yona.

May I ask why you're in such a hurry?

Well, I heard that you had arrived,

and I wanted to be the first to welcome you.

Aw. What a good girl.

So will you be staying?

Hopefully longer than last time you visited.

Of course I am.

My favorite cousin's sixteenth birthday is a monumental event!

I can remember when you were just a little toddler!

You're growing up way too quickly!

Now, where are your father and Hak?

I'd like to say hello.

See ya, little Yona!

He treats me like a child!

It's so annoying! I'm almost sixteen!

I pulled out all the stops for him

and he didn't even notice.

I'm wearing beautiful clothes and put on the best makeup

that money can buy.

Talk about a waste of time.

You shut your mouth right now!

Stupid Su-won.

What's the matter, Yona?

Leave me alone!

Everyone says you haven't been eating anything at all lately.

Your dad is worried sick about you.

Go away!

It's all right.

This way no one can see your face.

Okay? Now you can cry without anyone knowing.

I haven't been able to sleep.

My mom, she always used to hold my hand until I drifted off.

I know.

We all feel sad, but I'm sure her death

is hardest of all for you.

I've got an idea!

I can do all the things your mom used to do for you!

Well, first of all, you've gotta eat something.

You can have this pear my teacher gave me.

Here you go!

I'll hold your hand until you fall asleep, okay?

It'll be just like what your mother used to do.

I'll wipe away your tears, too.

I'll do it so fast that no one will notice you're crying.

Now, go to sleep and wake up with a smile.

What a dummy.

My heart is pounding so hard in my chest.

I'll never be able to sleep like this.

Ever since that day,

he's the only one I've ever loved.

Hi! Good morning, Su-won!

I packed a delicious picnic for us!

Let's go eat in the--

What's the matter, Yona?

If you're looking for Lord Su-won,

he's at the targets with General Hak.

It's so unfair!

Why does Su-won always want to spend time with Hak

and never with me?

Now, now.

Those two haven't seen each other in a long time, either.

Hyah!

That was pretty impressive.

Good job.

Thanks, and I can tell you've been practicing.

I'll hit a bull's-eye soon. Just like you did.

I want to be an archer just like them!

That is absolutely out of the question!

I wasn't even comfortable letting those two

handle weapons!

But you've never even done it yourself!

No, and I don't ever intend to.

Ugh, you're such a coward!

What kind of king is afraid to use weapons?

Yona!

Come join us!.

I'll teach you how to ride a horse!

Okay!

Su-won!

Just stay relaxed.

We're not going to let you fall off, okay?

You sure?

I know it's a big, scary horse,

but I'm getting kinda crushed over here.

I'll crush your dumb face!

It'll be all right.

You do like horses, don't you?

Yeah, I do.

But I love you.

There's no need for you to be scared,

I'll hold you tight.

His breath in my ear...

I've got chills.

When we were kids, he looked like a little girl.

He sure has changed.

Aren't we breaking the rules riding like this?

Uh... I mean...

You seem like you really understand

how to handle a woman.

I bet you have all the ladies falling at your feet

everywhere you go, don't you?

What are these words that are coming out of my mouth?

So I'm right?

What?

No, not really, not in the way that you mean.

But to be honest,

there has been some talk of me getting engaged.

Engaged?

It's all right!

Nothing serious or definite.