Accompanying the Phoenix

Chapter 14: Death for Love

After thinking a bit Xiao He finally replied. "From the moment I gained cognizance of the world to now, he has always been the most important person to me. If I leave I won't be able to see him again. Even though I'm nothing to him, I still want to see him." Her eyes started tearing up from memories of the past. "I worked so hard to become a person, to speak, to learn the rules, so I could please him... only him... not so I'd be killed by him. Sob!"

Shen Li sighed and looked down at her. "My words may sound cruel but you have to listen to them. That Prince Rui, he raised you with one goal in mind. And that was to use you for his wife's resurrection. That is your only value to him. No matter what you do or how much you try, that won't change. Do you understand?" Shen Li cupped Xiao He's face in her hand and wiped the tears away with her thumb. "So be good to yourself and let's leave here. Forget about him. There are so many other wonderful things out in the world for you to explore."

Xing Yun looked at Shen Li while Xiao He stared at them with a conflicted expression. She lowered her head in between her knees and spoke with her head down like that. "I want to see what kind of woman this Ye Shi is, that he would be willing to spend so much effort for. I want to know the difference between us."

Shen Li looked up at Xing Yun looking for help. He obliged with, "I guess sometimes reality has to smack you really hard before you can accept it."

Shen Li's heart was filled with things she wanted to say. She knew that even if Xiao He was a better woman than Ye Shi, Prince Rui would still not choose her. It was as simple as that. But seeing Xiao He be so persistent, she swallowed the words in her heart. Instead she said, "Alright. We'll go together, but you'll hide in the passageway until I can get rid of Prince Rui. Once I do you can stare at Ye Shi as much as you like." It couldn't do any harm since the woman was dead. "Xing Yun, you keep an eye on her until then." Shen Li figured this was the best course of action.

With that said Shen Li teleported them back to the passageway. Once there Shen Li made eye contact with Xing Yun, nodding her head. He picked up on her cue and used his body to block Xiao He, being sure to keep her behind him.

Shen Li walked into the room and announced, "I've killed Xiao He."

Prince Rui didn't turn his head at her voice, instead he remained stiff and silent.

"The resentful spirits have also turned back to normal. Come. I'll escort you out."

Prince Rui smiled coldly and only said, "Why go out?" He leaned over and kissed his wife's forehead. "Ye Shi isn't going to wake up, so what does it matter if I live or not?"

In the passageway Xiao He fisted her hands when she heard him say this, the light in her eyes dimming.

"I, Zhu Chengjin, was greedy and asked for too much, wanting both the throne and military power. I thought Ye Shi was just a woman, but who knew that she had already worked her way into my heart. These last three years, all I've dreamt about is her waking up. But everyday I wake up disappointed. I had all my hopes pinned on Xiao He. With her gone I have nothing left." Prince Rui smiled. "You go, I'll remain here and keep Ye Shi company."

Shen Li was stunned by his words. His face looked empty, his eyes dead. To think someone could really die from a broken heart. But if he died, who will shelter Xing Yun?

Before Shen Li could think any further Xiao He rushed passed her and slapped Prince Rui in the face. "I hate you!"

Prince Rui stared blankly at her. Shen Li watched as Xiao He's figure turned into a ball of white light and floated into Ye Shi's body while the remnants of her tears fell on Prince Rui's hand. From the bed Ye Shi coughed lightly, getting everyone's attention. Prince Rui immediately lost his dazed look and flicked the tear droplets off his hand.