Call of the Night

Part 5

More days past since the day of my attempt to escape. I have come to love my life in the palace even though I'm still sick from worrying about my own family. My life in the palace is very peaceful. General Hui Lang, Lin Shao and my loving three headed hound Xin Wei take turns to keep me company.  I merely see the emperor when he goes for a walk in the courtyard or looking down from his terrace which is every night. Li Hua always gives me a pitiful smile when we pass by each other. I took the opportunity to explore the palace and was always found by Lin Shao when I get lost. The residence in the palace also tried their hardest to appear like a normal human so I don't feel left out, they hide their horns or whatever unusual things they possess.

Today I am accompanied by Hui Lang. His long horns are hidden so he looks like a well groomed man. He talks a lot and do not have anything to hide unlike Lin Shao who looks as if he knows a ton but would choose to stay silent. The only concerning thing about Hui Lang is he would get in to fights with Xin Wei because of his peppers. Apparently demons has thick tongues so it takes a strong flavor to make them taste things. It is very surprising since I always thought they have a cat tongue.

"Did you know Xi Wei's name came from both Li Hua and Lin Shao?" Hui Lang laughs.

"Oh really? How?" I asked curiously.

"Li Hua is a Xiezhi and Lin Shao is a Jiu Wei. If you combine both Xiezhi and Jiu Wei you get Xin Wei. His majesty named Xin Wei  that because he doesn't get along with anyone like Li hua and he is a dog like Lin Shao"

We both crack ourselves up laughing. Li Hua happen to pass by and probably took notice that I am having a good day so he came to ruin it.
"For a woman you seem to have no shame. Surrounding yourself with men everyday" Li Hua says under his breath.

Instead of taking in his insults I cannot help but laugh. Only an image of him compared to Xi Wei is the only thing popping out of my head. "I'm sorry... Hahaha" tears start coming out.

Li Hua did not seem to take offense of it and looks amused instead.
"Whatever" he says and walks away.

Surprised by his calmness me and Hui Lang watch him walk out of the courtyard. "What a weird fellow" Hui Lang and I says at the same time.

Huff Huff Huff This time Lin Shao arrives breathing heavily. "Royal..... Concubine...." He grasp his chest.

"Lin Shao? What's wrong?" I say. I hurried to his aid and try to calm him.

"Miss, your sister is here" he finally says.

Like a drum roll I feel as if there was a thunder nearby. Diao Chan? I was so overwhelmed that I do not know what I'm feeling. I did not even notice that I was already running through the halls and Lin Shao and Genera Hui Lang is behind me.

When I reached the main court I was afraid to enter.
I don't understand.
What am I doing?
Go in you fool.
Your sister is in there..
What am I afraid of?

Instead of pushing the heavy door I just stood there, Dumbfounded.
"Miss?" Lin Shao bend over to see under my hair.
"Ummm... My lady, are you unwell?" Hui Lang seem so distant. As if he was afraid to ask.
"Don't go in" Li Hua says. I did not even notice him standing by the door. "His highness forbade anyone from entering.

When I heard Li Hua told me not to disturb I took my hand away from the gigantic door.
I'm afraid of something, that I know. But what?