Yona of the Dawn (暁のヨナ)

Princess Yona, let us depart.

It is cold here.

It does border the mountains.

Back then, I had no idea it was so cold outside the castle.

This is the Kingdom of Kouka, and that was once my castle.

At the time, the king lived in Hiryuu Castle

with no male heir, nor any queen to bear him one.

Only his beloved fifteen-year-old daughter was raised there.

This is the tenth year since the death of my father, the former king Junam.

Episode 1: The Princess Yona

Our Kingdom of Kouka is a small nation surrounded by powerful nations

to the north and south, involving us in many wars.

However, thankfully, these ten years have passed with no significant battles,

Where's the princess?

It seems she is still getting ready...

I see... Because he's coming today.

and to this day, we have enjoyed prosperity on this land.

She's such a child.

My daughter, Yona, will soon be sixteen years old.

I pray that, under the divine protection of Hiryuu, the king of old,

the peace in this nation will last for all eternity!

Long live King Il!

You look wonderful, Princess.

Forgive me, but you should proceed to the courtyard soon...

No! This isn't right.

Hey, where is that chintz?

Father! What about the ceremony?

As you can see, it's over.

Oh, no... I'm sorry, I...

Well, no matter. It was merely a formality.

There is no need for you to appear before the people.

Um, Father... Isn't there something odd about my hair?

Of course not! Your beauty surpasses that of any jewel—

Yes, that of my face.

I believe I was born with quite a cute face.

But why is this hair so red and unruly?

Grr! It won't behave at all!

That isn't true at all. Right, Hak?

Freeze

Yes, King Il.

Who would ever say that the princess's hair looks strange?

If anything is not right,

it would be her brain.

Quiet, knave!

Father, do something about this impertinent cretin!

Now, now... Hak has been your friend since childhood.

And he is one of the five generals who protect this castle.

He is the Wind Tribe's—

I don't care! If you need guards, pick someone more lovable!

Speaking of lovable...

Shouldn't you be trying to look lovable yourself?

Huh?

It seems Lord Soo-Won has arrived.

Y-You should have said so sooner!

Soo-Won? Is that why you were concerned about your hair?

But why now?

It must be that thing they call a "maiden heart."

Princess!

Soo-Won...

Soo-Won!

Kind Soo-won, who has been by my side since we were children...

My cousin, three years my senior!

For the first time in so long, today I get to...

Whoa, there.

...see him!

You are as energetic as ever, Princess Yona.

Why the rush?

I-I heard you had arrived, so I came to meet you.

Pet Pet

My, what a good girl.

Y-You can stay for a while this time, right?

Of course. I came to celebrate your birthday in a week.

Wow... You're going to be sixteen years old!

Pet Pet

You really have grown!

So, where are King Il and Hak?

I must say hello!

He treats me like a child...

Like a child... Like a child!

And I perfumed my clothes with the finest incense all morning,

and applied only the highest quality lotions and makeup...

All gone to waste.

You be quiet!

Stupid Soo-Won...

Yona, what's wrong?

Go away!

I heard you haven't been eating lately.

King Il has been worried—

Quiet!

It's all right. This way, no one else will see.

You can cry if you want to.

I haven't been able to sleep

without Mother beside me...

Yes... I heard the queen passed away recently.

I know! I'll be your mother, Yona!

First of all, you need to eat.

I'll give you this pear my master gave me!

Growl

Rumble

I'll hold your hand until you fall asleep, like the queen did.

If you shed tears, I'll wipe them so no one will see.

So please, smile tomorrow!

Stupid... My heart is beating so loudly,

it's even harder to fall asleep...

You are my most special one.

G-Good morning, Soo-Won!

I have some of our best sweets!

Would you like... to...

What's the matter, Yona?

If you're looking for Lord Soo-Won, he is with General Hak.

No fair, Hak!

How could you set me aside and have fun with Soo-Won?

Now, now... They haven't seen one another in some time, either.

Well done, Hak.

You were magnificent yourself, Lord Soo-Won.

Next time, I'll strike dead center, as well.

I'm going to do archery with Soo-Won, too!

No! You mustn't handle weapons!

I don't even want to let those two use them...

Then you do it!

But I would get hurt.

You coward! You know, you're just...

Yona!

Come down. I'll let you ride with me.

Okay!

Soo-Won!

Relax. We'll both hold on to you.

But...

Hak is about to die under the weight of the princess.

I will beat you down!

Don't worry. You like horses, don't you?

I do...

I love you.

Entrust your body to me.

His voice... His breath...

When he was a child, he was cute like a little girl...

Isn't this against the rules?

Huh?

I mean, you seem to be accustomed to dealing with women.

I bet you bring lots of women into your mansion.

Gosh, what am I saying?

I'm right?!

Please... You're mistaken.

There have been a few discussions of engagement, but...

Engagement?!

Oh, but nothing is decided yet...

Let's not talk about this, okay?

There's no need for you to know.

Treating me like a child again...

I-I've had offers of engagement, too!

What? With whom?

Hak, for one!

Idiot! Of all the names to give him, Hak makes it too obvious!

I can't help it! I don't know any other guys near my age!

So stop giving me that suspicious look, you servant!

Um... I meant...

I think that sounds nice.

Congratulations!

You're cruel!

You're too cruel, Soo-Won! How could you believe that lie?!

You're the cruel one. You're also a nuisance.

Your marriage may not be a lie after all.

Huh?

It would only be natural for you to be betrothed by now.

No...

No! I want Soo-Won to—

You can't have Soo-Won!

Princess...

I don't want to hear you speak of my love life! I'm—

Yona, I have always given you anything you desired.

Beautiful hair ornaments, earrings,

a royal villa and a flower garden...

I would give you anything that is not a weapon.

But no matter how you wish it, I cannot give you Soo-Won.