My Ghost King

An Unthinkable Reguest

Xie Lian

It was early morning as I prepared myself for a meeting with Emperor Jun Wu. It was last minute which meant it was serious. I had to sneak out of bed so I wouldn't wake San long and left Ryuoe with both him and E Ming.

"Your Highness". Ling Wen said as I made my way up the long flight of stairs that led to the palace of divine might. "Hello, Ling Wen. Is His Majesty ready to see me"? She nodded. "He just asked where you were". I nodded and made my way straight there and knocked.

"Enter".

I did as told and bowed to him right away. "We need to speak Xianle". "Sir". He stood up from his seat and walked off facing the balcony. It didn't feel as though he wanted me to follow so I didn't. "I think I've been patient with you long enough".

"Patient with me about what sir"? "Crimson rain sought flower. The two of you are getting too close". "San Long cares for me deeply". "His name is Hua Cheng and he doesn't care about anybody but himself".

"That's not true. He's one of my closest friends and he's done so much for me". I screamed out as my shackle tightened around my neck and sent electricity throughout my body.

"How many times are you going to make me have to punish you? Why can't you ever just listen for once". I continued to scream as my body rolled on the floor. "All of your suffering can end. The shackle can come off, and I'll restore your honor, all you have to do is leave Hua Cheng".

"N never, I I care about him too much". "He doesn't care about you". "Y yes he does, I I know he does". "Your loyalty is blind Xianle. I'm the only one that's ever looked out for you. Mu Qing and Feng Xin are nice to you now but don't forget how easy it was for them to turn their backs on you.

You're the disgraceful prince of Xianle who had his kingdom destroyed and who is responsible for his parent's deaths". "S stop it, t that's not true". Tears filled my eyes as each word stabbed like daggers in my heart.

"It is and you know it". He stood up and left.

Pathetic. He's right I am pathetic. If I was stronger Xianle would still be here, I wouldn't have ended up killing my own parents, and I would be strong enough to accompany Feng Xin on his mission. Mu Qing wouldn't be in so much pain and San Long.

San Long wouldn't need to feel as if he has to constantly protect me. Everyone feels as though they have to protect me. Why can't I protect any of them?

"Gege". His voice called out to me softly. It took everything I had not to look at him. I didn't want him to see the pathetic look of helplessness I knew was in my eyes.

Without saying a word he picked me up carefully and brought us home to Paradise Manor. I continued to say nothing as he placed me down gently on our bed, carefully took off my clothes leaving just the bandages on, and healed my wounds, the visible ones at least.

"Who hurt you, my love"? I still said nothing. "Did Jun Wu upset you? Was it one of the HO officials"? I couldn't look him in the eyes. "I know something happened, please let me help you".

"Jun Wu doesn't want me to be with you". I whispered. He got up, sat on the bed, and held me close. I instinctively rested my head against his chest. "Do you love me"? He asked softly. "So much". I whispered. "Then ask yourself this, what is it you want to do"?

I teared up. "I want to be with you San Long. I love the little life we've made together". He kissed my head. "I love it as well. I will remain by your side for as long as you'll have me".

But what if he hurts you?

Word Count: 691