A Flower Without Rain

Chapter 62

Now standing before the kings, Crown Princess Lian Yu shook off that unpleasant feeling. A bow, she greeted them. "Greetings, Your Majesties."

As she gave her respects to each king, so did Crown Prince Xin Hua. Already on terms with her father-in-law, King Xin Chao and King Han Zhaohui, conversation wasn't too hard but as she went on, it got quite difficult especially with King Wen Junjie since he was quite intimidating. But reaching King Fei Yongnian, she could tell there was no need to fret.

"It is an honor to meet you, Your Majesty." spoke Lian Yu with a short bow.

After her gesture, the Jin king suddenly stood and returned a bow. This surprised the other kings along with the Crown Prince. Coming back down to his seat, he looked at her with what seemed like wonder. "They say that magnificent jewel parallels the red camellia," a saying of his kingdom. "But here I believe you would be the peach blossom; ethereal." she was more than a magnificent jewel.

The Crown Princess was taken aback by his words, and became unsure of what to say. "May the Divine Gods and Goddesses forever bestow you with bliss." she bowed again as she spoke.

And with that, the meeting with the kings came to an end as she took her husband's hand to go back to their seats.

Watching as they left, King Fei Yongnian's expression eventually settled into a tranquil one.

"What did you mean with your words?" asked King Xin Chao.

His gaze still did not leave the pair. "Every Crown Princess of the Xie Kingdom, posses those same eyes Xifeng holds." To look into her eyes was like looking at one of their founders and a divine being.

The banquet was soon nearing the end and the last performance reserved for the night was the dance of the drums. It was silent for a second before the opening act came. A woman with sleeves that touched the ground danced within the circle made by the drums.

There was no music yet except for her elegance that entranced the audience. And after a few minutes of her solo, came the beat of the drums as the male drummers danced.

The dance told the story of a young woman who longed to leave her family and their beliefs that tied her down. Every time she attempted to leave the circle, the drums would only get louder, trapping her. However, she suddenly fell to the ground and this brought silence.

Slowly, the woman rose and standing, she began to sing. Her voice was beautiful and so was her dance she did as well.

"To dare to touch the stars and never reach them,
I would rather live my days in solitude than be hurt,
However,
If you could rescue me,
Would you dare to take my empty hand,
With you and I there is no need to fear the future upon us,
But if you let me go,
Just know that I don't blame you,
There is more to a future where I am not there,
As long as I know that you cared,
This pitiful life was more than enough for me."

To sing of rescue despite knowing that there is no certainty, was a sorrowful thing.

The song now at its end, the woman continued her dance but now it held the same emotions the words she sang did.

In the midst of this, Xin Hua, whose attention was once at the performance, turned to Lian Yu. His hand that was already intertwined with hers, became tighter. Then, all else seemed to go silent like it was just the two existing this moment.

Eventually, she too looked at him having noticed his stares. "Is there something wrong?" she questioned.

A chuckle, the man smiled. "Thank you,"

"For what?"

Both of his hands now held hers. "To have been able to meet you and have you in my life." His eyes looked watery.

Lian Yu became flustered by his words. "Then I must thank you as well," she said. "I'm glad that you're the man I walk this path with."

Just her voice alone was enough to soothe him but those words brought more than that. His loving eyes directed at her, Lian Yu smiled with glee.

The banquet had ended a just an hour ago, and within the Peach Palace were the Crown Prince and Crown Princess. From afar, stood Ru Mingyu as he overlooked the pair.

With everything already said and done, Xin Hua simply spoke of the oncoming affairs that will occur while the kings of the other kingdoms are here. He wanted to make sure that she was aware of this ahead of time. However, unable to hold it in Lian Yu suddenly ran out to the porch and puked. This startled everyone as they never noticed nor were they aware of any sign of illness.

Quickly coming to her side, Xin Hua and Ru Mingyu's faces held deep concern. "Are you alright?!" the Crown Prince exclaimed.

About to speak, the woman stopped as she puked more. "Call for the royal physician!" Xin Hua shouted.

Immediately, Ru Mingyu left to do so.

Arriving, Royal Physician Ping stood at the bedside as he read the Crown Princess's pulse. He did this at least three times to be certain and once he was sure, a smile formed on his lips.

A bow, the physician spoke. "I congratulate both Your Highnesses." Xin Hua's eyes widened, and the old man then turned to the young woman. "You're at most, four to five months along but I'm sure you must've noticed, Your Highness."

And it was true, Lian Yu was indeed aware of it but she wasn't so sure at the same time. However, with confirmation she was ecstatic.

Xin Hua on the other hand was in shock as he never held any suspicions. "I'm just confused. Why isn't her bump noticeable considering that she's already well over half way through the pregnancy?" This also confused Lian Yu as well since she mainly held knowledge in herbs and not the human body.

"Well Your Highness, this can vary depending on the woman's body. Such factors can be first pregnancy, height, or even the frame of one's body." He informed the two.

Royal Physician Ping then took a piece of paper and began writing a list of herbs, and once he finished he gave it to his assistant to gather. This was to aid in any sort of discomfort that the Crown Princess may experience in the remainder of her pregnancy. Packing his equipment, the old man bowed after finishing. "I shall now take my leave, and I must also inform Your Highnesses that the child is healthy as well, so there is no need to worry." assuring any worries they should have.

Departing, the once reserved Crown Prince bursted into joy as he hugged his wife from behind. This caused her to laugh and Ru Mingyu who stood at the side to smile.

"I'm so happy!" Xin Hua exclaimed.

"What names do you have in mind?" she questioned.

Hearing those words, he fell into thought and so did she as they tried to say the names that could possibly fit their daughter or son. And watching the two from afar, Ru Mingyu was content just seeing their joy.
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