Illusions

IV ↪ Journey

The next day back at the palace...

Yangmi woke up to a servant gently shaking her awake, "Young lady, please wake up. It's morning already and you might get body pains in your sleeping position," the servant commented. "Oh, what?" Yangmi yawned as she rubbed her eyes before noticing that she fell asleep by the window sill.

The servant let out a soft chuckle before helping the Princess get up and back to her bed. "If you still want to take more sleep, I could go just tell the Majesty that you weren't able to sleep well thus requesting not to be disturbed?" he inquired.

Yangmi shook her head before showing the older a smile, "No need, I'm fine. Is father already at the dining room, Zhihong?"

The servant-or more like butler named Zhihong nodded at the Princess' inquiry before standing properly after helping the princess up. "Is that so. Alright then, do tell him that I will be down in a few, hm? I would like to take a quick bath first." She spoke as she headed towards the bathroom.

"Oh, Young lady, I'm sorry I wasn't able to prepare your bath!" Zhihong panicked only to hear the Princess'melodious laugh as she shook her head before motioning for the other to leave. "Don't worry, it's alright. Having a cool shower in the morning is nice too." And with that the Princess entered the bathroom while Zhihong smiled before stepping out of the her quarters.

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"Junkai, make him stop.." Qianxi's annoyed voice broke the eerie silence in the forest that the three were walking in. Yuan made a face before taking a step away from the younger. "I wasn't doing anything," he spoke in defense as he looked at the eldest—who apparently paid them no attention and was staring up at a large tree.

Curious, the two looked at each other before going closer to Junkai. "What's so interesting uo there?" Asked the youngest and Junkai fibally turned around to face them with a confused expression plastered on his face, "I thought I just saw something fly over there.."

Yuan's brows furrowed as he looked up, "Are you sure? If you haven't really noticed yet, it seems that there are no living creatures here. Maybe the monster's from last night attacked them." Junkai reached a hand out before flicking the latter's forehead. "Those monsters don't usually attack animals. Plus they only attack in the dark."

The corner of Qianxi's lips tugged up slightly as Yuan winced after the older had flicked his forehead before looking up at the tree, "Maybe you just saw wrong, ge. Maybe you're just hungry or tired?"

(Ge means Older Brother)

Jun kai laughed before patting the younger's shoulder before slinging an arm over. "I know what I saw, but I'm not the only one who lacks sleep and wasn't able to eat. So come on, we need to get out of this forest fast. I'm not really having a good feeling about this." He exclaimed before dragging Qianxi with him and walked ahead.

"Hey wait for me!" Yuan whined as he jogged to catch up with the two.

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Back to the palace..

"Did you sleep well, Yangmi?" The Emperor spoke as he watched his daughter eat in delight next to him. The lass looked at her father after swallowing what she was chewing before nodding with a smile, "Yes I did father. Did you?"

He nodded as well in response before reaching out a hand to hand the Princess a napkin, "You have something on your cheek, dear." He chuckled before picking up his water goblet to take a drink as he comfortably rested his back on his seat.

Gladly, Yangmi took the napkin handed to her before wiping her cheek. "Oh! By the way, Father, I believe Mother gave me a sign last night.. I would like to ask your permission," Yangmi started as she set aside the napkin. "A sign? My permission? Alright then you may tell me about it later, for now, finish your breakfast. Alright? I'll wait for you at your garden later? I actually need to check on something first." The Emperor stated as he stood up before ruffling his daughter's hair.

Yangmi pursed her lips before nodding twice. "Alright father," and with that he left the room followed by two of his own servants.

"Zhihong!" Yangmi turned her head to call the latter who was standing just a couple steps away behind her. Zhihong blinked before approaching, "What is it Young lady?"

The Princess shot the other a sheepish grin before tugging on his sleeve and motioning towards the chair next to her, "Sit!"

Flustered, Zhihong immediately shook his head. "No, not this time Young Lady. It really isn't proper for someone like me to sit next to you, much more have you make me eat with you." He explained as he gently took the lady's hand off of his sleeve.

"If you don't I won't finish my food." Yangmi firmly stated with a blank look plastered on his face this time. Zhihong mentally slapped himself beforw sighing in disbelief and finalky obeying the Princess' request.

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A/N:
Filler chapter!