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'Your highness, this one thinks you should rest. It is already pretty late, your highness is already sick. I'm afraid...'

In a dimly lit room, the soft smell of cherry blossoms drifts calmly in the air, intoxicating anyone who smelt it.

A slender small figure is sitting by the window sill, his snow white hands clutching a book. The person reading seems to possess such gorgeous looks that one would drop upon laying their eyes on him.

His slanted eyebrows rose a little as his cherry red lips quirked up into a helpless smile.

'Lan-jie don't have to worry about me. You should go rest, I'll read for a little bit more then I will go sleep.'

A soft voice jingled like winter bells fell out of the young prince's lips. The palace maid by the name of Lan couldn't help but be moved by her master's politeness even to a mere slave like herself.

'This one would not dare.' Said the maid.

Bam!

Xiang Ning dropped the book in his hands as his body shook from the surprise. Lan stood up in alarm, thinking that they were attacked by assassins.

Ever since she served prince Xiang Ning, she has grown accustomed to assassins breaking in to try to capture her beloved prince. She could never question this either, for her prince bears such an unparalleled beauty that anyone would sacrifice themselves to lay their filthy hands on him.

Ever since then, she had made a determination to protect her prince with her life, not letting anyone stain her precious angel.

At the door, stood no other than princess Ruo An and He Chang behind her.

Lan let out a sigh of relief as she knelt down again.

'Greetings to her highness.' She said quietly.

Xiang Ning's scared face dissipated in an instance as soon as he saw his big sister. An enchanting smile blossomed on his face as he hopped off the window sill and ran towards his sister.

Princess Ruo An held out her arms and enveloped her baby brother's soft body into a warm tight hug.

'Jiejie, Ning'er missed you.' Said the prince as he snuggled into his beloved sister's hug.

Princess Ruo An chuckled as she hugged her brother even tighter. The softness of the youth softened her anger a lot.

'Xiao Ning, sister is here to tell you an important news!' Said the princess with a sad smile.

Xiang Ning stared at his sister's gloomed face in worry.

'Emperor father betrothed sister to the third prince of Da Dong.'

Xiang Ning gasped in shock, his round eyes shone in concern and panic.

'Jiejie, w-what do you mean?' Asked Xiang Ning.

Ruo An sighed and walked in to sit down on one of the stools next to the table.

'Emperor father is thinking of strengthening our bond with Da Dong. Strangely, Da Dong's crown prince asked for a marriage alliance between his third brother and me.' Said Ruo An in frustration.

He Chang's eyes flickered at the statement.

'Da Dong's crown prince...' muttered Xiang Ning.

'I've never really heard about him either, since when did Da Dong have a crown prince?' Questioned Ruo An to herself.

She turned towards her tall bodyguard and raised her eyebrows, indicating that he should answer the question if he can.

'I have no idea about this matter, your highness.' He Chang murmured with his head hanging low.

'This one knows.' Announced Lan.

Xiang Ning rushed towards her

'Lan-jie, what do you know about that jerk?' Asked Xiang Ning.

'This servant was born in Da Dong, so naturally this servant has a few relatives living there. The crown prince of Da Dong is a mysterious figure in the empire of Da Dong. He usually does not appear in public, even if he did, he always have a scary silver mask covering his face.

What is more mysterious is that the emperor of Da Dong is extremely faithful to the empress, thus he only have a few offsprings. The first prince, who had died a tragic death as a child due to severe illness. The second prince, who is a mentally ill person, always confining himself in the depth of his chambers. The third prince, an educated and wise scholar. And the fourth princess, who had grown up sheltered from the ways of the world.

The emperor does not have even one offspring who is suitable for the throne position. Although the third prince is surely the most likable candidate, he lack the ruthlessness and followers to be strong enough to put a hold on the throne.

Then suddenly, the emperor announced that he had chosen a crown prince who will succeed the throne after his death. This crown prince is of unknown origin, no backgrounds, no backstories, no name. Just a masked man standing in front of the public. Of course, there will be a revolt.

My ma told me that there was a big civil war that caused an uproar in the inner court. However, surprisingly, the crown prince appeared again. His face still masked.

He and his army slaughtered each and every one of the rebels. The royal palace was soaked with blood. Ever since then, nobody dared to challenge this mysterious crown prince and had respected him as their own master.'

Ruo An stood up and walked out of the pavilion. Ignoring the calls of her little brother, she walked towards the other end of the royal palace where she could see a wide view of the darkness of night, gazing into the horizons facing towards Da Dong empire.

He Chang followed behind her like a diligent bodyguard.

'I've also heard about the civil war in Da Dong. The reason why this crown prince decided to ask for a marriage alliance between me and his brother is still unknown. However, we must not be careless. For all we know, we might just be walking into his traps.' She said.

Ruo An turned towards her silent bodyguard.

'A'Chang. I want you to protect Xiao Ning from now on. No need to follow me anymore.' Said Ruo An.

He Chang lifted his head abruptly. His eyes widening in disbelief.

'Your highness, what about you?' Asked He Chang worriedly.

'I will be fine. Tomorrow we will all set out to Da Dong. It is a tradition that one brother of the bride will assist the bride on the journey to the groom's home and live there for three months before returning. Since the crown prince chose me as the bride, naturally I would have use for him, he would not kill me. As for Xiao Ning, I'm not so sure.'

To Be Continued...

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