A Royal Arrangement: The General's Daughter (Short Novel)

Chapter 16

Yuren

Yuren was too occupied to notice the disarray throughout her estate. Curtains hung loose, vases lay shattered, and belongings were strewn about as if a band of thieves had ransacked the place. Yet that was unlikely, for the prince’s guards surrounded the grounds, having searched tirelessly for her since night had fallen.

Outside, relief spread among the prince’s men upon seeing their mistress alive and unharmed, save for a few scratches. Last night had been treacherous; darkness and danger compelled them to search in groups to guard against any misfortune. Their relief, however, did little to ease the worry of the maids within the estate. As Yuren entered, dismissing their attempts to aid her, she was draped in the prince’s cloak, but still, she appeared chilled to the bone.

The servants observed her: hair unkempt and sullied, clad in her worn outdoor attire, with a wound on her arm she stubbornly ignored. Her face was ashen, worn, and devoid of the spirit they had always known. They had never seen her so broken, yet pity, not shock, filled their hearts. Something had indeed gone amiss between their masters, and they had an inkling of whom to blame.

At the main hall’s entrance stood Lady Rong Hua and the head maid. Although her expression held concern, those nearby could sense her intent.

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As Yuren crossed the threshold into the hall, her face an unreadable mask, she was suddenly lifted into the prince’s arms.

“You’re weary,” he murmured, holding her close. She looked at him, her gaze empty, but she made no protest.

The prince carried her to a chamber within his own estate, a mere distance from hers. Setting her down gently, he wrapped her in another blanket and called for a warm bath to be prepared.

“Where did you go?” he asked, clasping her hand between both of his, only for her to pull away swiftly.

“It does not matter” she replied coldly.

“It does concern me. You were gone. It was near dusk before the maids came to tell me,” he replied, his tone laden with worry. Yuren hugged herself, the reason for her departure still raw in her mind.

“I…” She faltered, at a loss for words. Pain lingered, an ache rekindled by his closeness and what she deemed to be mere pretense of concern.

“It's okay. I’ll let you rest now.” He placed a gentle hand on her cheek, brushing his lips against her forehead. Yuren felt only numbness, her heart torn, knowing that whatever affection he displayed now was but an illusion. She ached to hate him yet yearned for him to stay.

Conflicting feelings swelled within her—loathing and longing—and with each moment, her heart ached all the more.

“Madam, your bath is ready… Madam?!” the maid Yu exclaimed, her face paling as she saw Yuren weeping. The servants halted in their tasks, staring in silence.

“Leave,” Yuren managed through her tears. They exchanged glances, then withdrew quietly, the sound of her sobs echoing through the room.

Outside, the maids and guards stood in somber silence, their hearts heavy with sorrow for the once-stalwart warrior who now seemed so fragile. They dispersed only after her sobs faded, and the prince reentered the chamber.

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When he entered, he found her asleep, her cheeks tear-streaked, her hair unkempt, her face bearing the weight of sorrow. She had not even cleansed herself before succumbing to sleep. The sight pierced his heart, and he wondered what had cast such a shadow over their union.