Braid of Gold

Part 1

Zhongli paced the halls as he contemplated what to do. He knew that he was to be wed by the end of the week.. but none of the ladies in waiting stood out to him.

He had spent weeks, months even, just trying to find someone he could enjoy a future with. But nobody seemed to be the right fit.

A faint voice echoed through the hall, it wasn't a familiar voice, nor was it a feminine voice. This was the voice of a male who sounded roughly around his age.

Zhongli followed said voice to see a young man, one whom would be considered as quite astonishing. His bright ginger hair shimmered in the light, his blue eyes like an ocean.

He walked toward the young man who was talking to the King and Queen.

"I'm Prince Tartaglia of Shneznaya." He took a bow.
"What is your business here?" The King inquired. "My parents sent me to form an alliance with the Kingdom of Liyue." He replied.

"Very well then, we will arrange a formal meeting. Of which your parents must be present." The ruler responded.

"Understood your majesty, I appreciate your formality." He took a bow of respect and departed.

Zhongli approached his parents slowly and quietly.
"Who was that?" He questioned.

"Another alliance dear, no need to worry. Have you given more thought into whom you will betroth?" His mother asked softly.

"I don't know what to do Mother, I don't believe any of the women I've met are suitable for marriage."
Zhongli expressed.

"If you are not wedded by the end of this week your father and I will have to take this into our own hands. Please attempt to form a bond with one."
His mother stated.

"I apologise mother, I will try my best."
He muttered.

"Return to your room, your mother and I have matters of business to discuss."
His father communicated.

"Yes father."
And with that he left as quickly as he had arrived.

What had felt like an eternity later, the prince had decided on what he was to do.

He opened his window and proceeded to descend through the aperture. Slowly climbing down vines and moss until he had hit the ground.

He pulled his hood over his face as he left the palace walls, entering the town of Liyue. He had always loved the way the water in the harbour reflected the light of the moon. The humid breeze brushing against his skin, parting his hair in all different directions.

As he sat by the docks contemplating his marriage he heard footsteps behind him, he turned his head to see that the prince from earlier was approaching him.

"Do you mind if I join you?"
He asked softly.

"Not at all. It wouldn't hurt to talk to someone my age for once."
Zhongli sighed.

Tartaglia sat next to the other, observing his face.
"You're the prince aren't you? What're you doing out here so late?"

"I come out here time to time when I need to think. The water relaxes me, helps me feel more at peace."
Zhongli replied.

"What's got you stressing? Is it anything I can help with?"
The other inquired.

"This whole wedding thing. It's all so much. I've only just turned 18 and now I'm expected to be betrothed by the end of this week. I just wish I had the option to live a normal life for once."
He disclosed.

"I apologise, that got really deep and personal. That wasn't a very formal introduction.. I'm Zhongli, Prince of Liyue."

"Don't worry about it, trust me I understand the pressure. My parents are the same, hence why I go exploring by myself."
Tartaglia commented.

"I didn't quite catch your name earlier, care to tell me?"
Zhongli questioned.

"Tartaglia."

"It's lovely to meet you Tartaglia."
He held out a hand.

"You too, Zhongli."

"Hey what do you say we get out of here and cause some mischief?"
Tartaglia proposed.

"What kind of mischief are you suggesting?"
Zhongli raised a brow.

"Come with me, it'll be fun."
He stood and lent a hand to the other.

Taking his hand they proceeded to walk around causing mischief as kids do. By the time they believed their fun was to end the sun had already begun rising. Reflecting shades of yellow and orange on the water.

"I should really head back to the palace, my parents will suspect something if I'm not home."
Zhongli stated, his face saddening.

"I'll walk you to the gates."

And that he did. They walked from the harbour to the palace within minutes, and although it was only a mere few minutes it had felt like hours. The two shared laughs as they passed through the city, and with that.. the fun was over.

Zhongli returned to his bedroom and settled in bed reminiscing about the night he had.

By noon of the next day he was still fast asleep, at this point he didn't care if his parents were to be upset with him all he wanted was to have another night like the one before.

But at last. Nothing lasts forever.

To be continued...