Descendants of the Dragons

The Search for Kin

The sun barely rose when Mei Lin and Princess SoKael set out early on their quest. The atmosphere was charged with determination as they embarked on the search for Mei Lin's long-lost brother. After weeks of rumours and fragmented leads, they finally felt the thrill of hope coursing through their veins.

Drawing on their ingenuity and resourcefulness, they connected various strands of information that had come their way, narrowing the possibilities of his whereabouts. With each lead, their anticipation grew; she could almost hear her brother's laughter in her mind.

Mei Lin and SoKael had devoted themselves to this search for two long days, navigating the winding alleys of bustling markets and conversing with street vendors who might provide fleeting insights. Their exhaustion was evident in the dark circles beneath Mei Lin's eyes and the slight hunch in SoKael's shoulders, yet neither was willing to yield to weariness. The bond they shared was palpable, a force strong enough to drive them to push harder, and refuse to give up.

During their search, Mei Lin also kept her prenatal visits regular. The physician had begun conducting crucial checks, especially given that she was pregnant with twins—the first occurrence in over a millennium. Her heart raced with excitement and wonder as she lay on the bed. The Fifth Prince physician, gently placed his hands on Mei Lin's belly, checking for the soft flutter of lives within. Kael stood nearby, his tall silhouette seeming both protective and proud.

He hadn't missed a single appointment, demonstrating his unwavering support, and his presence was comforting.

As night descended, the couple found themselves enveloped by the enchanting aura of the Spring Festival. The city was alight with brilliance, adorned with glowing sky lanterns that floated gracefully into the twilight. The festival itself was a spectacle, with streets bursting at the seams with laughter, music, and the tantalizing aromas of street food being expertly prepared. Mei Lin could scarcely take in the beauty of the night, her heart flaring with a strange mix of elation and longing.

In a corner of the vibrant celebration, lanterns glimmered like stars, each carrying wishes, dreams, and hopes. Mei Lin was captivated by the sight of a child releasing a lantern into the cool breeze. As it ascended into the sky, she whispered a wish for her brother's safety, hoping the heavens would protect him as they searched for him tirelessly down below. The festival's atmosphere, imbued with joy, seemed at odds with the uncertainty hanging over their lives — trouble was brewing at the borders, with the Eastern Northern Republic causing unrest and seeking control over key cities. A palpable tension loomed despite the festivities; whispers of the impending upheaval danced through the air, unnoticed by most revellers.

As the Spring Festival reached a fever pitch, Kael felt the weight of responsibility settles on his shoulders. He could no longer ignore the inkling of concern that nestled deep within him. He had heard reports about the Republic's manoeuvres; they played a dangerous game, and he knew that soon, his presence would be required at the border.

Three days after the festival filled the capital with cheer, their search bore significant consequences. Just as Mei Lin and Kael planned to return home to regroup and lay out their next steps, news arrived from the palace. The King summoned the fifth prince, demanding his attention for matters of state. The air in the room grew dense with pressure as Kael listened, the reality setting in that he would need to leave Mei Lin behind until he stabilized the situation at the borders.

"Prepare and leave in two weeks," the King had declared, his voice heavy. "You will need to leave her here until we ensure that the realm is protected. I cannot afford to lose any of you to the turmoil of war."

Kael's heart sank as he instinctively turned to Mei Lin, her concern evident in her expression. While he nodded respectfully to the King's decree, the unease welled within him. He understood the stakes, yet the thought of being away from his wife and their unborn children gnawed at his gut.

"Kael," Mei Lin spoke softly, her voice a gentle balm against his turmoil. "I will be alright. You must do what you need to do for the empire."

But despite her words, deep down, Mei Lin struggled with worry, fear clawing at her heart. The thought of being separated from Kael during such uncertain times was almost unbearable. Yet, her gaze held a steely resolve, for she understood the path ahead was fraught with peril. "I will continue to look for my brother. We cannot allow ourselves to be distracted now."

In those two weeks leading up to his departure, Kael arranged everything to ensure Mei Lin was supported while he was away. He established a network of guards and aides to watch over her. He felt torn, needing to balance his duties to his family and the empire. It wasn't merely about maintaining the empire; it was about protecting their future, the family they were bringing into the world.

As fate would have it, just one week before Kael's scheduled departure, Mei Lin received promising news about her brother. Hidden from prying eyes, he had been located—safe and away from danger. Their reunion, however, was to be discreet. Mei Lin felt her spirit soar with the anticipation of seeing him, aching to catch up on the years lost to separation. They did not have the luxury of celebrating openly, but the prospect of rekindling their bond brought warmth to her heart.

Kael watched, intrigued, as the two siblings shared stories, their laughter illuminating the dim room filled with unresolved histories. It was a moment-filled relief to know Mei Lin's brother was alive and well. Mei Jone had also grown close to SoKael during his time with them. Their banter and camaraderie deflated the tension. Seeing them together, Kael couldn't help but find amusement.

They shared their last evening before Kael's departure, with King Aldric, Mother Consort Laila, Princess SoKael, and Mei Jone gathered in the castle's serene garden. The night was filled with bittersweet tranquillity, as the gentle glow of the moonlight illuminated their faces. They spoke of memories and future hopes, their laughter mingling with the soft rustle of leaves. Despite the simple farewells, the emotional weight of the moment was palpable. Each gesture and word held a deeper significance, a silent promise of reunion and a testament to their unspoken bonds. As the evening drew to a close, their hearts remained tightly intertwined.