A Flower Without Rain

Chapter 2

As weeks went by, Lian Yu only had so few visitors to keep her company in this place where she knew no one. Those who visit her are her Lian Zhong, Ru Mingyu, and Yuan Li, her sister-in-law. For her, it was unfortunate that they couldn't come by everyday due to their busy schedules, and she respected that.

She just wished someone was with her everyday so she wouldn't be so lonely. It was also quiet every minute of the day.

Walking along this path, was Crown Prince Xin Hua who is on his way to the sparring room located at the training grounds. Ever since his previous partner, Lian Song passed he's become cold, unable to accept her death. In order to ease the pain, he would just practice with his sparring partner, Ru Mingyu.

As the son of Clan Leader and General Ru Yan, he was gifted with the art of combat. This made him out to be one of the most promising in his generation and given the honor to be the Crown Prince's sparring partner.

Turning the corner, he looked on at a familiar sight causing him to stop. Here, was the bridge of solitude where he first saw Lian Song. This place was called so as no one ever came by to look upon the still waters, and yet she did. It seemed to fit her, who held a look of elegance and uprightness.

Just a second longer, he then turned away. The more he drowned himself in the memories of Lian Song, the more he couldn't let go. To have loved someone so dearly, was a blessing and a curse the moment they left. He didn't know how to control his feelings of grief.

Sitting about on the porch in her chambers of the Vermillion Palace, Lian Yu held a solemn expression. There was nothing to do as always, and this sort of thing was now usual for her.

A deep sigh, her attention came to the small flowers that bordered the walls among the green grass. These flowers were of white clovers. It were as though they were telling her someone is always thinking of her since they are frequently seen around the yard.

Coming to her feet, the Crown Princess went to the grass and sat before the white clovers. Subtle, she gave a smile as her hands began to pluck them. When she was younger, she used to always make flower crowns with her older sister, Lian Song. They often made three as the third was for their brother, Lian Zhong. Although he always turned away their work, in the end he still wore them.

The childhood that could not be taken back. The childhood where they knew of nothing but the joys of laughter before they could walk their own paths.

Then, a voice.

"Your Highness, Lady Yuan Li has come to visit." a female servant announced loud and clear.

At this, the Crown Princess quickly got up, leaving the flowers, and to the front doors of her chambers. "Allow her entrance." she told the servant.

The doors slid open and shut, bringing upon a gleeful Lady Yuan Li, the wife of Lian Zhong and her sister-in-law.

Coming forward, the Lady took her friend into her arms with promise, "I'm sorry I couldn't come earlier. You must've been so lonely." she suddenly apologized.

Surprised at first by her words, Lian Yu eventually settled. Arms coming around her friend and in-law her lips faintly curled up, "Thank you so much for coming."

With the door to the courtyard open, the two simply sat inside at the table as they spoke. Many things were spoken about along with mentions of the past when they remembered something similar to the topic.

"Although we live in a separate building from the main for privacy, mother still comes by to visit often." Yuan Li mentioned with a frown. "I sometimes wish she didn't have to yell at me so much for no reason." a chuckle.