“A kind fellow,” Yushir mused as they walked down the path and onto the street. A few more people traveled to and fro, and sounds could be heard coming from inside the palaces.

Arian pressed the cloak harder against her chest and nodded. “Very kind.”

“If you do not mind my asking, what do you intend to do with the cloak?” Yushir wondered as they strolled down the street. His eyes twinkled as he looked her over. “And please do not tell me your curiosity was piqued. I believe you are not the type of person to let such a simple emotion lead you to ask for such a valuable item.”

Arian’s eyes flickered to and fro at the empty road. “I, um, I wish to return home and I have heard so many stories of the attack on villages that I fear I may be waylaid by the culprit.”

He nodded at the cloak clutched tightly against her. “And you thought to hide yourself inside this cloak? It is a good idea. Even Lord Eastwei cannot penetrate its magic unless the wearer is using magic themselves.”

Thank goodness Arian thought to herself.

“However, I expect you to bring the cloak back when you return, otherwise my word will be nothing to Lord Buhelm,” he pointed out.

She bobbed her head. “Of course. I will be very careful with the cloak.” And I must see that Anna is, as well.

“When will we have the misfortune to lose you to your homeland?” Yushir inquired.

“I will be going very soon,” she replied as she cast a casual glance at her companion. She was startled to see a look of deep regret in his eyes.

“You will be sorely missed, Lady Arian,” the prince commented as he lifted his gaze to the sky. One hand fiddled with the ring on the other. “This place can be rather boring year in and year out with the same inhabitants. Your mistress and you livened these streets and halls with a great deal of fun and laughter.”

Arian blushed and bowed her head. “That is a very appreciated compliment coming from you, Prince Yushir. Thank you.”

He slipped in front of her, arresting her movement. She lifted her head and his bright eyes searched her face. “If you truly wish to thank me then please return. I would be most grateful to see you again.”

Arian’s heart warmed at his words and there was a distinct flutter. “I-I do not know what to say-”

He grasped one of her hands in his hand and drew it between them so he could clasp it between both of his. “Say that you will return someday soon.”

Arian felt as if her head would erupt from all the blushing heat. “I-I will try my best.”

Yushir’s smile remained but there was a twinge of sadness at the corners. He released her hand and nodded. “Of course. We can only do our best.”

Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

Arian felt a weight of guilt descend on her shoulders as they resumed their journey. Neither spoke a word until they reached the arch of Fanshe Hall where the prince turned to face her and stepped back. He crossed an arm over his chest and bowed low to her.

His words were spry but the tone had a melancholy twinge. “I wish you a safe journey and may you enjoy your stay with your family.”

She bowed her head as much out of politeness as to hide the faint glimmering tears in her eyes. “And I hope you keep yourself well, Prince Yushir.”

“Good day and good luck, Lady Arian,” he finished before he moved off.

Arian didn’t dare lift her head until he was well out of sight. She straightened and brushed away a loose tear that had escaped her bleary eyes. Goodbye, sweet prince. May we meet again.

She continued on her journey and arrived at the lovely little palace. A breeze blew past her and rustled the leaves, making them appear as though they were waving hello to her.

It will not be easy leaving here she mused as she walked down the familiar path. There are so many wonderful memories.

She walked into the home and over to the bedroom doorway. Anna lay on the bed with the covers bunched around her. A faintly pained expression lay on her face.

Arian leaned her side against the door frame and set a hand on the cloak folded over her arm. But it must be done. She is in grave danger here and I could not live with myself if something happened to my friend.

“However am I going to live without that bit of excitement?”

The question came from Prince Yushir’s lips as he paced the sidewalk that surrounded a small orchard. His thumb and finger madly fidgeted with his ring as he furrowed his brow.

“There must be a way to convince her to stay, at least for a while,” he mused.

“Have you always had this habit of talking to yourself?” The voice startled the prince and Yushir spun around to find a bemused Lord Kang leaning against one of the trees. His arms were folded over his chest and a crooked smile lay on his lips. “Or has love caught you in its wily grasp and now makes you say such things aloud?”

Yushir stretched himself to his full height and cleared his throat. “I was merely contemplating the quiet comfort of the heavens.”

Kang’s eyes twinkled as he cocked his head to one side. “Is that all? I could have sworn you were crooning like a lovebird over losing its mate.” He lifted one hand and whistled. A white bird flew down from the branches and landed on his extended finger. The creature scooted close to him and cooed. He stroked its head and his gaze returned to Yushir. “And I would know about such things.”

“My uncle would have you know what occurred in Lord Eastwei’s garden last night,” Yushir countered as he crossed his arms over his chest. “After all, you were charged with keeping the borders.”

Kang’s good humor dropped off and he scowled at the ground before shaking his head. “I cannot understand that trouble. I would swear on the Diyedi Tree that no one breached the borders.”

“Then you would suggest to His Majesty that the intrusion came from within the heavenly realm?” Yushir pointed out.

Kang lifted his eyes to the prince and gave a curt nod. “If I had to swear, I would say just that.”

Yushir lifted an eyebrow and returned to toying with his ring. “That is a most serious charge.”

The beastmaster shook his head. “I charge no one, Your Highness, but I know these borders better than anyone save Lord Eastwei. No one passed through them last night.”

The prince paused in his ring-teasing and furrowed his brow. “I see. Do you have any suggestions on how we might find the culprit?”

Kang shook his head but raised his chin. “No, but I am thinking of how to do just that. Give me a few more days and I may come up with something.”

“Perhaps you might speak with your predecessor of the hunt, Lord Leiren,” Yushir suggested.

The hunter’s eyes widened and he slammed one fisted hand into his other palm. “Yes! He may know some trick to rooting out this vile plant! Thank you, Your Highness! If you will excuse me!” Kang dashed off in the direction of the gate.

Yushir sighed. “If only my problem could be solved so easily.” He froze and his eyes widened as Kang’s had done. “Yes! That may just work!”

He hurried away leaving the birds in the branches with puzzled looks on their faces.