A Flower Without Rain

Chapter 57

As weeks went by, it now neared the middle of spring. Although the days were longer compared to winter, it seemed to have gone by much faster due to the joy it held. And during these past weeks, Crown Princess Lian Yu and Crown Prince Xin Hua grew closer and closer.

Sitting alone this morning, Lian Yu finished another set of pressed flowers as she waited for the resin to melt. Due to the season, she was able to pick the flowers she desired like Lenten roses and claytonias (also known as spring beauty).

Taking a break, she sat there doing nothing until something popped into mind. Leaving her desk, she went to her nightstand and opening the drawer, the Crown Princess took the red pouch containing the gift and sat on her bed. She could never not smile whenever she laid eyes upon it. However, a light frown came upon her. She realized that she has yet to respond to his feelings towards her.

Was he waiting?

Returning it back to its resting place, Lian Yu shut the drawer. Then, her gaze slowly turned towards the open doors to her courtyard where the divine tree stood behind the small hill. Eyes lowering, she stood and left back to her desk. She sat there in deep thought, just thinking.

"I'm sorry,"

Who was she saying it to exactly?

It was evening as Lady Yuan Li prepared for bed along with Clan Leader Lian Zhong. Tying her nightgown, the pregnant woman slipped under the sheets.

"You know," Lian Zhong suddenly spoke as he put on his robes.

Yuan Li looked to her husband, awaiting his next words.

"His Highness is trying to court my sister.......and they're married." it was weird saying such a thing.

She couldn't help but to laugh hearing him. "Well, I'm surprised he didn't do it sooner."

This made the man raise a brow. "Earlier?" He questioned as he got in bed with her.

"This was in the beginning of their marriage. I told Yu that there was no way His Highness wouldn't fall for her because she is quite the beauty, especially those eyes," explaining herself.

Lian Zhong couldn't help but to frown. "That's uhh.......quite the irony." he seemed to remember something.

"What is it?"

His gaze turned to the side, then back to her. "Because I also told her not to develop feelings or become attached to him." Although he didn't say it, he never approved of their marriage then.

Yuan Li was rather speechless hearing that the two had different views on the royal couple. "Well....it was a future we didn't know of." One that held many ups and downs.

Sitting with Prince Ren Huiliang of the Ra Nation in his chambers, was Crown Prince Xin Hua. The two were playing a game of Go and so far, the foreign prince was taking the lead.

Placing a pebble down, the Crown Prince spoke. "What were you doing during the time we were gone?" He's been wondering this for quite a while because his friend has been crippled since he had gotten shot down by a poison coated arrow in the back.

Ren Huiliang shrugged at his question. "Isn't it obvious? I of course had to stay in bed since I couldn't walk for a while due to my injury." It was absurd that he even asked such a thing.

Xin Hua laughed. "That's good or else your condition may have gotten worse." Placing his piece down onto the game board.

The Ra Prince seemed to roll his eyes at those words as his turn came. "Anyways, how have your 'dates' with Her Highness been?" He knew almost everything considering that Xin Hua has been talking to him about it.

This made a scowl appear on the Crown Prince's face. "They're not 'dates.'" Ren Huiliang laughed. "It's a time where we can be together. To say such a thing makes it sound like it's all arranged." Although their marriage was.

The Ra Prince simply smiled, "I'm glad that the sadness you used to carry, has now been replaced with warmth."
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