Thorns of Love

Chapter 4

Xunlei stared at Jiaxin, his gaze lingering on her face as if trying to commit every detail to memory. He noticed her pale complexion, a stark contrast to the vibrant life he remembered. He reached out, intending to touch her, but she opened her eyes, interrupting his movement.

"You're awake," she said, sitting up. "Are your wounds hurting?"

"They're fine. I can travel home," Xunlei replied, his gaze drifting to the opening of the cave.

"How did you find me?" he asked, curiosity lacing his voice.

"I asked Jin where you two separated," she answered, her voice soft.

"You traveled here without rest?" he asked, his brow furrowed.

"Yes. Jin said you were badly wounded. If your wounds weren't tended to, I was afraid you wouldn't survive," she said, her voice filled with a quiet urgency. She retrieved the food she had brought with her and offered it to him. "Eat. You need to regain your strength. You were lucky to faint in this cave. Those who ambushed you didn't find you, but I fear they're waiting outside the forest to finish you off."

"We can use another route," Xunlei suggested, his gaze meeting hers.

"There's a village outside the forest. If we head east, we can reach it safely," he added, noticing her confusion.

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

"Why are you wearing gloves and a coat?" he asked, his curiosity piqued.

"It's cold," she replied, her voice evasive.

He didn't press further, and she felt a flicker of relief.

The next day, they rode on the same horse, a shared necessity to reach the village before it was too late. Jiaxin wasn't comfortable with the arrangement, but she endured the discomfort in silence.

They arrived at the village at noon, greeted warmly by the villagers. The tribe chief, overjoyed to see Xunlei again, quickly arranged accommodations for them.

In their room, Xunlei lay on the bed while Jiaxin tended to his wounds.

"We'll stay here for a few days until your wounds are fully healed," she said, her voice gentle.

He nodded, his gaze fixed on her. The tribe chief entered, accompanied by two villagers carrying clothes.

"These clothes are from the city. Luckily, we bought them for you two to wear," the chief said, handing the clothes to Jiaxin.

"Thank you for your hospitality," Jiaxin said, offering a grateful smile.

"You're welcome, my lady. It's our way of repaying the Prince's kindness," the chief replied before leaving.

Jiaxin handed Xunlei a dark blue tunic. "I'll change in one of the houses here," she said, giving him space to change as well.

Jiaxin emerged from the house, wearing a light blue dress adorned with lace. The dress, paired with her white hair, created a striking contrast. She donned her white coat and gloves, completing the ensemble. As she stepped out, the villagers turned to look at her, their faces filled with a mixture of curiosity and admiration.

Xunlei emerged from his room at the same time, their eyes meeting. Jiaxin smiled and approached him.

"Do you want to walk around?" she asked, her voice soft.

He nodded, and she offered him her arm, supporting him as he walked to avoid aggravating the wound on his stomach.

"Why are you still wearing your coat and gloves?" he asked, his curiosity piqued.