Thorns of Love

Chapter 2

The Prince stood at the palace gate, his patience wearing thin.  A few minutes later, Lady Zhao Jiaxin arrived, her carriage pulling up with a gentle clatter. The Prince, without a word, stepped into the carriage. Jiaxin followed, her servant Ying and the Prince's aide, Jin, trailing behind.

"Behave yourself at the palace. I don't want you to embarrass me," the Prince said, his gaze fixed on her.

Jiaxin nodded, a tentative smile gracing her lips.

"After the celebration, speak to your family and say goodbye. We'll be leaving for the border soon after," he said, his voice flat and emotionless.

"Alright," she replied, her voice barely a whisper.

The palace hall was a scene of vibrant celebration. Guests mingled, feasting on elaborate dishes, enjoying performances, and presenting gifts to the Emperor.

As the festivities drew to a close, the Emperor addressed the gathering.

"My third son must return to the border tomorrow. Before he departs, I wish to present him with a gift," the Emperor announced, his voice booming through the hall.

A servant stepped forward, carrying a rectangular box. The Emperor opened it, revealing a silver bow and arrow. This was the famed Silver Speed, the weapon he had used in countless battles.

The Third Prince knelt and bowed deeply. The Emperor, with a paternal smile, handed him the gift.

"Return safely," the Emperor said, his eyes filled with pride and concern. The Prince nodded, his gaze unwavering.

Jiaxin stood at the palace gate, her heart heavy.  She turned to her family, their faces etched with a mixture of sadness and concern.

"Father, I'm here to say goodbye," she said, her voice catching in her throat.

"Go and take care," her father said, his voice thick with emotion.

Jiaxin nodded, her eyes meeting the Prince's.  They exchanged a silent farewell, then she stepped into the carriage.

As the carriage pulled away, Jiaxin watched her family through the window, her fist clenching involuntarily.

"Your Highness, may I visit my mother's grave?" she asked, her voice trembling slightly.

"Do as you please," the Prince replied, closing his eyes, his expression unreadable.

That night, Jiaxin, accompanied by Ying, made her way to her mother's grave, nestled beside a grove of cherry blossoms.

"Ying, I want to be alone," she said, her voice barely audible.

Ying nodded and moved a short distance away, giving her space.

Jiaxin knelt before the grave, her eyes welling up with tears.

"Mother, I'm back. How are you? Do you miss me? It's been so long since I visited. You wouldn't believe the mess I'm in, but don't worry, I can handle it," she said, a sad smile playing on her lips. She sighed, her shoulders slumping with exhaustion.

"Mother, if I'm too tired, take me. I'll be waiting for you, but not now. I'll try my best to be with him, but if I fail, I'll let you know," she whispered, her voice breaking.

"You know, ever since I was a child, I've admired him. But I just wanted him to marry into a good family. I didn't want him to marry Yan. I didn't want them to control everything. Mother, you understand, don't you?" she said, her voice laced with despair.

A chill wind swept through the graveyard, sending a shiver down her spine. She began to tremble, a hacking cough wracking her body.

She stood up, her legs unsteady, and walked away from the grave, her heart heavy with sorrow.

The next day, the journey to the border began.  The carriage rumbled along, carrying Jiaxin while the Prince ride on a horse towards their new life.

Ying, noticing Jiaxin's relentless trembling, wrapped her in a thick quilt.

"My lady, what's happening? Why is this happening to you?" Ying asked, her voice filled with concern.

Jiaxin fought to maintain her composure. "It's alright, I'll be fine. Just give me the medicine," she said, her voice weak.

Ying quickly retrieved the bottle and handed it to her. Jiaxin swallowed the medicine, washing it down with water.

"Don't let them know about my condition," she whispered, her eyes pleading. Ying nodded, her heart aching for her mistress.

By the time they reached the border city of YuYang, Jiaxin had seemingly recovered.  They arrived at the Prince's mansion, a grand structure overlooking the bustling city.

The Prince, accompanied by Jin, immediately headed to the camp outside the city, leaving Jiaxin to settle in.

"My lady, are you sure you're alright?" Ying asked, her voice laced with worry as they stood in Jiaxin's room.

"Yes, I just need to rest," Jiaxin replied, sinking onto the bed.

"Alright, I'll help Nanny Lu and Butler Mu with the other arrangements," Ying said, leaving the room.

As soon as Ying was gone, Jiaxin clenched her fist, her face contorted in pain. She pressed her hand to her head, stifling a cry. Fear gnawed at her. She didn't want to alarm anyone, to reveal her secret.  She rolled and tossed on the bed, enduring the agonizing pain, tears streaming down her face.

After half an hour, exhaustion finally overcame her, and she drifted into a troubled sleep.

That night, Jiaxin awoke to an unnerving silence. Hunger gnawed at her stomach, but she knew Ying was asleep. She tried to stand, but her legs buckled beneath her. Panic surged through her. She couldn't stand, no matter how hard she tried. Her knees trembled uncontrollably. Tears flowed, a mixture of disappointment and helplessness.

"What an ill fate I have," she whispered, her voice choked with despair.

She tried again to stand, but her efforts were futile.  She collapsed back onto the floor, her gaze fixed on the ceiling.

She closed her eyes, but a sudden cough erupted from her chest. She clutched her chest, a wave of agonizing pain washing over her. She coughed up blood, a crimson stain spreading across the floor.  She lost consciousness, her body succumbing to the relentless illness.

Jiaxin slowly opened her eyes, finding herself lying on the floor. She quickly cleaned herself up and dressed, determined to greet her husband.  But as she stepped out of her room, she froze.  The Prince was talking to a beautiful, elegant woman outside. It was Princess Shin, the daughter of the Duke of the Northern Border.  Jiaxin watched, her heart sinking as she observed the way the Prince interacted with the Princess.  She retreated back to her room, a sad smile playing on her lips.  She looked at her reflection in the mirror, her reflection staring back at her, a pale and weary image.

"It's okay, Jiaxin. After all, you're not here to impress him or make him fall for you," she whispered to herself, lying down on the bed.

Tears streamed down her face.  She remembered Princess Shin, the woman her husband had always loved, the reason he had refused all previous marriage proposals.

Princess Shin was staying as a guest at the manor. Jiaxin kept to herself, avoiding the common areas. The Prince seemed indifferent to her absence, and even Princess Shin didn't bother to greet her.