Wuxia Tale: Hua in Bloom

The Warning

(WANG DAO)

Of all the people I expected to see as the one who pinned that note inside my book, the second Prince is quite low on my list.

But here we are, I stand before the second Prince, Prince Guo, inside the hunting ground where I was once taken by rebels and rescued by my parents.

I wonder, why did he called for me? And more importantly...

I scowled at Prince Guo, "Who do you think you are to summon me like I am a common servant in your Palace?" I asked him bluntly.

My frankness surprised him, "I am your Prince..." he said as a reply.

My eyebrow just shoot up, "And so?" I want to laugh. These Princes, what are they thinking? That they are the only ones treated like a Prince on their household?

I am a Wang. All my life, I was surrounded by servants too. Served with good food. I wear nice clothes. I have my tutors, I get my hands on books. I have my own horse, I train with weapons. Handed my own sword. Why do these Princes think that I am lower than them? Why? Because they are born in a Palace? Because they have a title before their proper names?

Laughable.

I may not have the title. Or desire to have it, but I am a Prince. My parents had always treated me and Hua like precious gems. I know my value. I know my worth. I am as precious as this Prince Guo and my sister's suitor.

So who is this "prince" to summon me like I am his servant? He is irritating me.

I stared at him. Prince Guo, like his older brother is tall with a leaner frame. Just an inch taller than me. He looks like a total charmer. His eyes kinder than the rest of the members of his Imperial Family. There is an easy charm on him. A light aura that can drew anyone. He will be a charismatic Crown Prince if not for the fact that he looked distressed right now.

Prince Guo stared at me, "I am sorry. If you feel insulted..."

I frowned. A Prince who is easy with his apology. I am liking him less and less.

"What do you want to say? Who will die?" I hate his message. Why be so theatrical? A matter of life and death? So much drama.

Prince Guo hesitated for a bit, "My older brother, Prince Jin. His life is in danger because..."

"Because the Empress wants him dead?" I finished his sentence.

Prince Guo frowned but nodded. "But my grandfather is plotting too..."

"We know," I said. "Who doesn't know that your mother's family would like for your older brother to vanish so you can have the Crown Prince throne. That is not surprising nor it is something new. They tried before, oh...maybe you don't know that..."

The attack that happened to Prince Jin on Harvest Festival remained a secret. Nothing was said about it. Maybe Prince Guo is not aware...

Princd Guo grew frustrated in front of me, "You don't understand. This time it will be different..."

That made me stop. It looks like Prince Guo is aware that there was an attempt to eliminate Prince Jin before. "How different?"

Prince Guo's face grew more serious, "This time, they will make sure that Prince Jin will die." He said.

Does the first attack didn't had that intention? What? They just attacked Prince Jin so he will be scared and leave the Capital and...

Oh! That's it. That could be it. The first attack on Harvest Festival is not to kill Prince Jin. I see...

I cleared my throat, "This time, they will make sure he is dead? How?" I asked.