Wuxia Tale: Hua in Bloom

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(PRINCE GUO)

The dryness on my mouth woke me up. I tried opening my eyes but a pounding on my head suddenly started. It began aching.

But I know it's morning already. I can hear the birds chirping outside. I think the window of my room is open. So against my better judgement I slowly get up to sit on my bed. The careful movement still jarred me so I hold on to my aching head before opening my eyes.

Just to be shock when I saw Yong, Prince Jin's guard, sitting at the foot of my bed, leaning against a post and sleeping.

"Why..." I felt my dry throat grating. I need water. I was about to look at the side table to see if there is a cup of water there when my eyes caught another figure.

This time, the figure is sitting on a chair next to my bed, his upper body slumped on my side, one of the person's cheek rest on my bed as he sleep.

"Prince Jin?" I whispered in amazement. Why is my older brother sleeping like this in my room? Why is he here in the first place? With his...

I look around, and sure enough, Manchu, Prince Jin's other guard is sitting on the settee against one corner of the room. Asleep as well.

Why is my brother and his guards are here? What happened last night...?

"Ah," I can't help but moan in pain when my head hurt again. I close my eyes and lean my head against the headboard of my bed.

The last thing I remember is emptying the second bottle of mulled wine that I ordered from the servants. I drank too much wine last night.

And now, I am experiencing the effect of those two full bottle of mulled wine.

This...after drinking effect.

"You are awake. Prince Guo," a voice called my name so I slowly open my eyes again. I stared straight into Yong's eyes. My brother's guard is now awake as well.

"Yes," I sighed. "I need water," my throat is really parched. Like a dry dessert.

Yong nodded and stood up to get me a cup of water. He handed it to me. "Thank you," I said before drinking. "What happened?" I asked him. "Why are you all here...sleeping?"

"I am awake!" I got surprised when Manchu suddenly perked up and exclaimed those words loudly. The guard look around, disoriented, before settling on me. "Prince Guo! I am awake." His eyes shifted again. "Yong ah, I am awake." Manchu insisted.

I moaned again. Why he is insisting that he is awake? And can he please stop shouting? He will make my ears and brain bleed.

Manchu's loud voice caused Prince Jin to stirred up. I watched as my older brother opened his eyes, close his eyes again, straightened up and stretched his arms and back. "What is happening?" He asked in a bit croaked morning tone. Then Prince Jin yawned widely before settling his eyes on me. "Guo ah, you are awake." My brother smiled at me.

"Yes," I slowly nodded.

"Good morning," Prince Jin continued smiling.

I am still dumbfounded. And my head is still aching. "Good...morning, too. Now, what is happening?" I asked them.

"You were drunk last night, your Highness." Yong answered me.

"Too drunk." Manchu nodded in agreement. "We have to carry you because you cannot walk on your own. You almost kissed a wall, your Highness." He smiled at me.