Underneath The Moonlit Night

Chapter 9 - Royal Encounters and Unveiled Alliances

It was a late afternoon painted with the hues of a splendid desert sunset, casting a mesmerizing shade of purple upon the landscape of Khufu. The sun's gentle touch graced the elegant palace, its radiant beams settling upon the palace's roofs. In this picturesque setting, a youthful Qing Yi, only ten years old, found himself in the company of his mother within the palace grounds. Their purpose was to pay a visit to the King's Guifei, a rank slightly lower than that of a queen. While the King and Queen governed the realm, the Guifei's responsibilities encompassed the smooth functioning of the palace. She oversaw matters such as the induction of new personnel, including cooks, chefs, maids, and doctors, into the palace.

This particular afternoon held significance, for it marked the culmination of a deal. Yu Yan, the leader of the Koeh tribe, had negotiated an arrangement with the Khufu Royalties. In exchange for her people's services as healers within the palace, they were granted lodging in the lush Khufu rain forest. Accompanied by her son and a group of village healers, Yu Yan had come to meet with the Guifei and the first Prince.

Qing Yi, as the oldest son of the tribe leader, held a unique role in this negotiation. His mother, recognizing the significance of the agreement, wanted him to witness it first hand and understand the importance of their tribe's contribution to the palace. It was a chance for Qing Yi to grasp the weight of responsibility that came with their position. Yu Yan believed that by involving Qing Yi in negotiations and exposing him to the royal environment, he would learn invaluable lessons about leadership, diplomacy, and the responsibilities that awaited him as he matured.

As mother and son lingered in the garden, a tranquil prelude to their audience with the Guifei in her private chateau, Qing Yi's attention was captivated by the enchanting and exotic flora that adorned the surroundings. Intrigued by the vibrant tropical plants that surrounded a serene fountain, he turned to his mother with a request. Gaining her approval, he set out towards the fountain, maintaining a careful eye on his mother's presence.

With youthful enthusiasm, Qing Yi explored the garden, a sea of captivating plants unfolding before him. Engrossed in his botanical discoveries, his focus was momentarily diverted, and in his unawareness, he accidentally collided with another figure. Towering over him, the person's stature eclipsed his own, leading to Qing Yi bouncing back in surprise and ultimately finding himself seated on the ground.

"Oh, I'm so sorry," Qing Yi stammered, his efforts focused on regaining his footing. He wore the attire of the Koeh tribe, layered with an outer robe adorned with a hood that obscured his features.

The other person reached down, yanking Qing Yi to his feet, causing the hood to fall back, revealing Qing Yi's face framed by his soft silver hair. Qing Yi seized the opportunity to study the person before him. This older boy, a few years his senior, had long dark hair, partially braided and tightly secured at the back of his head. With eyes as piercing as the golden desert sand, set within a countenance adorned by royal attire crafted from luxurious silk and accentuated by waist buckles adorned with precious jewels. Given this regal appearance, Qing Yi's deduction was clear—the person before him was undeniably of royal blood, likely a Prince. A subtle realization dawned on Qing Yi: he was standing before royalty.

As their eyes met, the young prince's fingers grazed the surface of Qing Yi's skin, a touch that elicited a shiver down his spine. His reaction was palpable as he let out an exclamation,

"And who might you be?" The prince's curiosity was evident, an emotion he shared with Qing Yi. This encounter marked the first time he had encountered someone so different from the individuals who populated the palace.

Qing Yi's lips remained sealed, his inability to respond borne from a sudden surge of apprehension. The prince's presence exerted an inexplicable weight upon Qing Yi, a force that induced a sense of fear deep within him. Despite his inner turmoil, the prince's lips curved into a knowing smile, an unspoken acknowledgment of Qing Yi's unease.