Eternity Bound (Prequel) - A Pre Yona of the Dawn Fanfic

Chapter 8 - Guilty Aftermath, Innocent Adoration

Word Count: 2,300+ Words

Roughly three months had passed since Nari's trial. Advisor Hye was fired for abusing his position, disrespecting the Four Dragons, and attempting to manipulate the King to further himself. However, Hye wasn't executed despite his severe crimes and, instead, released — much to most's shock, but still to Nari's relief.

In the three months following, Nari had become more familiar with the Four Dragons, who all seemed quite interested in her for various reasons of their own, reasons she couldn't understand and was too timid to ask about.

The Ouryuu, Zeno, was already quite fond of Nari, even before her trial, for her aura of cheer and optimism that reminded him of King Hiryuu. He'd also noted his King's concern for her at the end of her trial and hoped to ease his concerns by watching her.

The Hakuryuu, Gu-en, found her diligence to even such menial work as hers to be endearing and noble, and her generous vouching for the Advisor's life to be... unusual.

The Royokuryuu, Shu-ten, simply thought she was easy on the eyes with her unusual hair and mysterious eyes. He also figured she'd be worth associating with for her truthfulness, even in the face of possible execution.

However, Abi the Seiryuu still had yet to formally reconcile with Nari after their last one-on-one encounter with each other. Though he had vouched for her on the day of her trial, Abi still carried heavy guilty for how he'd spoken to Nari the night she returned King Hiryuu's Medallion.

He envied his King's clarity of mind... his ability to so easily trust Nari just by gazing into her eyes — which had turned out to be red, though the Seiryuu had not been able to see them for himself yet. For some reason, that last part irritated him.

By having a part in removing the vile Advisor from power, one who'd been so thoroughly harassing the majority of the female staff, Nari quickly became much more well-liked amongst her peers. No longer was she targeted for being 'unusual'; now, she was frequently invited into groups and conversations — she was also tricked less into doing others' chores for them.

Though there was still a minority group, who believed she was "too good" and that she couldn't possibly be as pure-hearted as the rumors and gossip now made her out to be. Too perfect to be genuine...

Suddenly the tables had turned; Nari was popular with the other staff and even with the other dragons, no longer an outcast. The Seiryuu had steadily watched things change for the clumsy servant girl from afar, uncertain how to make amends with her. The sight of her running from him that night, with only the faintest hint of tears he'd barely seen before she disappeared, still followed him and only worsened the infection of guilt.

"Seiryuu!~"

The Blue Dragon jumped slightly from where he stood on the fifth-floor balcony, looking back to see the Ouryuu standing behind him with a cheerful grin. "You've been worrying about her from the sidelines for a long time now, so cute!~"He teased lightly, walking up alongside the Seiryuu and looking down from the balcony.

"I am not—!"Abi began to object, his temper flaring comedically, but his lie became obvious in moments.

Sure as day, Nari was below, attending to her usual chores with her closest friend, Ji-Yeong, by her side. The two were bantering back and forth, Ji-Yeong laughing every so often while Nari simply smiled that same king and constant smile of her's. "For someone so cheerful, I don't think I've heard miss Nari laugh before, "Zeno noted, leaning his elbow on the railing and placing his chin on his palm. "Y'know you should just go talk to her instead of following her around from so far away."