A Flower Without Rain

Chapter 49

Having snuck through the underground tunnels, Crown Prince Xin Hua and Crown Princess Lian Yu walked the grounds of the Sui Kingdom palace this late hour. They were making their way to the hall of the royal court where the throne resided. It is also where they are to meet the second prince, Han Zhaohui when he arrives.

At the entrance, the grand doors held the carving of the blue dragon orbiting around what looked to be the sun at the center. Pushing the doors open, the creaking sound filled the barren hall. Before setting foot in, Lian Yu held onto Xin Hua's arm as he scoured his surroundings. Seeing that it was clear, they entered and shut the doors behind them.

It was dark as well, and they stood there in silence, deciding to wait for the second prince's arrival.

Then, the doors within the hall opened and following, were the many footsteps of men who held torches. As they came, they lit the space starting from the grand entrance. Xin Hua was on high guard, unable to even believe that they made it here before the two. Now able to see the layout of this place, the sound of applause filled the air. Looking towards the direction of where it was coming from, was the throne that held a shadowed individual. The torches now reaching where that person sat, Crown Prince Han Yinjie's appearance was revealed. It seems that he has been sitting there since before they even entered.

The Xie Crown Prince's gaze turned into a glare as Lian Yu hid behind him.

Han Yinjie was still wearing his attire of the embroidered blue dragon. The only difference is that it now held stains of blood and a couple of tears. This was from his fight with Xue, who was now dead.

Looking left and right, they were surrounded by the Sui Crown Prince's men. Quickly, he tried to think about a way to escape. That is, until a proposal was made.

"Crown Prince Xin Hua," Han Yinjie spoke. "Let's strike a deal, shall we? If you win a duel against me, you and Crown Princess Lian Yu may leave. But if you do not win, you must leave without her."

Xin Hua didn't believe his words as he knew that Han Yinjie wouldn't let them leave either way. And Lian Yu was aware of this as well.

"I shall accept your challenge." he agreed to which the Crown Princess's expression turned shocked. She thought that instead, they would try and runaway and meet up with the second prince elsewhere.

Rising from the throne, he descended down the stairs and unsheathed his sword. He began to laugh. "Now," his eyes upon his blade. "Let's hope there's still poison left after fighting that useless scum."

Lian Yu screamed, "Xin Hua! Forget about me!" The men quickly came to grab her. She didn't want him to die; not from this.

The blades of the Crown Princes of two kingdoms meeting, Xin Hua pressed on with his strength in every blow. This caused Han Yinjie to slowly fall back as he wasn't as strong.

Straining, Han Yinjie blocked an oncoming attack from Xin Hua. He was wearing out faster than he would have liked, but he knew something about how the Xie Crown Prince fought. The two had a practice match a few years ago and although he lost, he noticed a particular mistake he would always make despite it being the number one thing you should always protect.

Pushing Xin Hua back, Han Yinjie quickly pushed his blade into his abdomen. No matter how strong or talented you are, there will always be a moment in which mistakes will fall through.

The Xie Crown Prince felt as though time was beginning to slow down the moment the blade entered his body. Falling to his knees, his hands came to where his wound was. Looking to Lian Yu, he could see the horror in her eyes as she screamed, trying to get to him.