A Flower Without Rain

Chapter 27

Face to face, Prince Ren Huiliang's smile deepened as he bowed at her presence. "You must be Her Highness, the Crown Princess."

A subtle gulp, she also returned a bow. "Yes, and you are?"

The foreign prince chuckled, "Where are my manners, I am Prince Ren Huiliang of the Ra Nation. Other than visiting for matters concerning our new trade routes, I've come to enjoy the beauty of the Xie Kingdom. I haven't been here in years." speaking of his purpose.

A string of awkward laughter came about. In all honesty, Lian Yu didn't quite remember the prince's face despite having seen him at the royal hunt not too long ago.

"Are you on your way to visit him?" referring to Crown Prince Xin Hua.

A nod, he then came to stand beside her. "Would it be alright if I guided Your Highness there? It is quite late and wouldn't be safe to walk alone."

Hesitantly, she agreed to his request. Beginning their walk to the Vermillion Palace, so did the start of another's steps.

Walking, Ren Huiliang asked a question. "Is Your Highness alright?"

A brow raised, unsure of what he was talking about, and taking notice of this he explained himself. "Sorry, I know about your sister......The Crown Prince told me."

The mention of her death still hurt, causing her heart to ache. "It's alright," she told him. "It doesn't hurt so much anymore." It hurt more than ever now that she knew the truth.

To distract her from such thoughts, he decided to change the topic. "Does Your Highness perhaps feel anything for the Crown Prince?"

A frown came about at that question. ".....I don't think I do." This made him break into laughter and puzzled, she questioned him. "Is what I said absurd?" voice awkward.

Laughter ceasing, Ren Huiliang looked to her. "Will you take care of him for me then?"

A huffed smile, she already knew what to say. "I've already promised him not to leave."

"Oh?" raising his curiosity. "What do you mean by that?"

She continued with a sadden yet gleeful expression. "He was quite drunk once and visited me in tears." speaking of that night. "In the end, I promised not to leave so he won't be alone."

This brought upon surprised to the foreign prince. He never would have thought such a thing would happen and could only smile to himself. "I leave him in your care."

"With you, I'm sure he'll be his happiest."

Reaching Xin Hua's chambers of the Vermillion Palace, Prince Ren Huiliang gave a bow to the Crown Princess. "This is where we shall part, Your Highness. I wish you a good night." bidding goodbye.

However, just before the woman could return the gesture, an arrow flew through the air and pierced his back. Grunting in pain as eyes shut tightly, the man fell forward and onto her who only held a look of shock by this sudden attack. It was like he no longer held control of his body and became unable to stand. Her balance staggered from the sudden addition of weight.

Blood already soaking into his robes, Lian Yu looked around searching for who could possibly be responsible for this. Eyes finding who it is, a man clad in all black watched the sight in front of him before running off, never to be seen again.

"HELP!" she shouted.

Arriving and having taken notice of the commotion, was Crown Prince Xin Hua. Coming to his friend's side, worry filled him. "What happened?!" he asked her.