Xingqiu's Diary

January 1st

I have not laid eyes upon my esteemed knight today. I customarily observe him from my window during his vigil, yet on this occasion, he was conspicuously absent. An unsettling concern gnaws at me, for he is not one to indulge in idleness. Should he neglect to materialize forthwith, I will have to embark on a search for him. My father has evaded my sight as well, for I have not encountered him remotely this morn, leaving me unnerved. Typically my family eats breakfast together unless one of us remains in slumber. However, upon casting my stare towards his chamber door, it was found ajar.

-----

I have terrible news; my father confronted me about what he found in my room. He has not divulged his reasons for his intrusion, yet I surmise he glimpsed me during one of those fateful evenings in the garden with Chongyun. He sneered at me in vain, his expression disdainful, telling me I shouldn't humor my conquests, which perturbed me. My gaze faltered before him, my face ablaze with mortification. He smacked me across the face, staining it a bright red. I was afflicted with the dreadful news; that my cherished one has been consigned to the dungeon to languish until death adequately claims him. I could scarcely refrain from weeping. Instead of a swift demise, he must endure a protracted and agonizing passage. My heart shatters for him, and I feel utterly powerless. My flirtation has imperiled the very essence of my life.

Ah, what am I doing? I must act to rescue him. It shouldn't be too difficult, as I am already familiar with the dungeon's layout. In our youth, my brother and I delighted in a game wherein one of us would sequester themself within the castle's confines while the other endeavored to locate them before time expired. On one occasion, whilst hiding in the dungeon, I fortuitously discovered a clandestine exit that grants passage to the outside world. Should I successfully navigate past the sentinels guarding the dungeon's threshold, I shall liberate my beloved. How amusing it is, indeed, that it is the prince who must save the knight, in contrast to the common trope of the gallant knight in shining armor rescuing his helpless princess.

It may well be imperative for him to accompany me, for should he remain, a cruel destiny awaits him. I have yet to disclose to him my intentions to flee the castle, yet his existence hangs perilously in the balance. Our destination remains uncertain, yet stay we cannot.

I shall carry but a single satchel, thereby rendering my escape more manageable. Within it shall reside pristine garments, dehydrated sustenance, fresh water, my journal, a writing implement, and my savings. Were I aware of the whereabouts of my beloved's sketchbook, I would've included it as well. It is imperative that I take my leave now. Should I fail to pen another missive, it shall be evident that I have met my capture.

-----

I find myself inscribing this in a decrepit shed, leagues from the kingdom, with Chongyun by my side. We have run for hours from that cursed place. Fortuitously, he emerged unscathed from my rescue. An ominous darkness encroaches as the winds commence their tumultuous rise. I dread that a tempest is brewing, leaving us vulnerable to the ruthless wrath of nature within this dilapidated structure. It was indeed imprudent of me to omit blankets. I can only hope that the storm shall abate swiftly. I have shared with him some delectable dried strawberry crisps that we are currently devouring together. He's snuggled up beside me, keeping me comfortably warm.

-----

The raging storm has subsided and the sunlight has returned. We must carry on to hopefully find a better refuge.

-----

We've stumbled across the home of an elderly couple that allowed us to temporarily seek shelter in exchange for running errands for them. Their attitude is arrogant and they're constantly pestering us about our origin, but we'd surely be banished if they knew. Initially, they were led to believe that I was a lady; however, I immediately rectified this misconception, prompting them to regard me with a peculiar look. I was instructed to procure produce from a nearby marketplace while Chongyun remained in the home. I found the separation most distasteful. Never had I encountered a market of such grandiosity; the spectacle left me utterly astounded. The vendors' stalls of the kingdom paled in comparison, and there existed an abundance of produce previously unknown to me. I selected a few items for myself and my beloved, who was at the home tending to the couple's laundry. Although he didn't voice his opinion, I surmise the task was rather unenjoyable.

Once I returned to the couple's home, the produce in the basket they lent me, I was admitted to a guest room, where my precious one was already waiting with my belongings beside the bed. He was seated in a rocking chair, gently swaying to and fro. His crystal eyes sparkled upon my entrance, prompting me to approach him and draw him into an affectionate embrace. A delightful sense of elation surged within me at the prospect of his proximity once more. Considering the couple's potential vexation at our presence, I refrained from soliciting sustenance from them, opting instead to partake of the provisions I had stowed in my satchel.

Subsequently, I pulled him down onto the bed, feeling giddy as we cuddled and kissed. I had, alas, neglected to bring a nightgown, forcing us to repose in our current attire. I thought to inspect for any unwelcome pests, yet found none. I procured my diary, and we settled beneath the covers. Chongyun is now asleep, a vision of serenity. Our royal titles matter not in the world further on. I will be held back by my family no longer. Though a lasting abode may elude us, we shall forever possess the bond of one another. May the morrow unfold more auspiciously.