All my life, I've wondered what the world out there was like, how it looked, and what it felt like. Ever since I could remember, I've been confined to this place, safely tucked away behind these thick palace walls. Today, I sat on the wooden terrace outside my chambers, gazing up at the endless blue sky, longing for something more.

I raised a hand to shield my eyes, squinting against the bright sunlight. The sky was clear, the sun warm and golden. It was a beautiful, quiet day. The kind of quiet that settles in after a storm has passed. My heart ached with the stillness.

Above me, birds and cranes flew effortlessly over the pointy peaks of the palace roofs, their movements graceful and free. I sighed, watching them disappear into the horizon. What I would give to have wings of my own, soar high above the palace, and taste freedom just like them.

I was startled out of my thoughts by the sound of hurried footsteps echoing through the palace corridors. The servants were moving quickly toward the entrance. My heart leaped, and I turned my head to follow their movements. Could it be? Was he here?

It must be him!

I scrambled to my feet, nearly tripping over the endless layers of my gown. Gathering the fabric in both hands to free my legs, I rushed toward the entrance, my pulse racing as I fell in line behind the servants. Craning my neck, I strained to see past them as the massive gates of the inner palace creaked open slowly.

"Welcome, Master Zhuwei," the servants said in unison, bowing deeply in perfect formation.

There he was. I was right—he had come to visit again!

Zhuwei stepped through the gates, his calm, confident demeanor drawing all eyes to him. He had grown into a tall, strikingly handsome man, with a presence that exuded both intelligence and quiet authority. As the son of a high-ranking minister and a trusted advisor to the Emperor, Zhuwei was no ordinary guest. He was practically family, having grown up alongside me within these walls.

But to me, he was more than just a family friend. He was Zhuwei, the boy I'd shared countless memories with—the one who always had a way of making me feel like the palace walls weren't so suffocating after all. Now, he was a scholar and a statesman, walking confidently in his father's footsteps.

"Yuming," he said warmly, his voice cutting through the formalities like sunlight breaking through clouds.

"Zhuwei!" I replied, my excitement escaping before I could think to compose myself.

For a brief, shining moment, the palace walls seemed less confining, the world outside less daunting. With Zhuwei here, perhaps everything would be all right.

I couldn't take my eyes off Zhuwei. Every detail of his face seemed to demand my attention—the soft warmth of his brown eyes, the tender curve of his smile, and that little mole just below his lips. His lips! My cheeks flushed, and I quickly shifted my focus back to his eyes, hoping no one noticed. He was smiling, as kind and gentle as ever, as he exchanged pleasantries with the palace servants.

Who was I kidding? I had more than a "slight" crush on him. Growing up with Zhuwei had been one of the greatest joys of my life. We'd spent so many hours playing in the royal gardens, his laughter ringing in the air as he recited poems or played the flute. I had watched him transform from that sweet, talented boy into the man standing before me now—a man whose beauty and poise seemed almost otherworldly.

I couldn't help but notice that his attention was now fully on me. Zhuwei, still smiling softly, tipped the fan in his hand to his lips. "Yuming!" he said. "I must apologize for my absence. I've been busy preparing for the ministerial examination. You look as beautiful as the peach blossoms in spring. It's so good to see you again after all this time."

His words made me blush even more. "Th-Thank you, Zhuwei. I'm really happy to see you again too!" I managed to say.

Zhuwei chuckled quietly, hiding his smile behind the fan again. "So, tell me, Yuming, are the king and my father here? I'd like to meet with them."

I nodded quickly. "Ah, yes, they're in the big chamber discussing something now. I-I'll take you there! I—"

Before I could finish, Zhuwei raised his hand in a gentle but firm gesture. "That won't be necessary. I'm honored enough that the princess herself graces me with her presence. How could I ask her to escort me? It wouldn't be proper for a member of the royal family. There are servants for matters like that," he said, polite as always.

"But we're like family! We've known each other our whole lives!" I protested, feeling a little stubborn. "And I want to bring you there! I haven't seen you in such a long time! How can you not respect the wishes of a princess?" I pouted, putting my hands on my hips, pretending to be angry.

Zhuwei sighed, defeated, but smiled at me again. "Very well then. My princess' wishes are my command," he said, bowing gracefully and bringing his hand with the fan close to his heart in a swift motion. He looked up at me, his gaze lingering just a little longer than necessary.

My princess. Did he really just say my princess? And why was he looking at me like that? My heart started to race—nervous, excited, flustered, all at once. I quickly turned around to hide my red face. "Come on. Follow me!" I muttered and led him to the big chamber in silence.

When we arrived in front of the massive gate leading to the chamber, two guards stood at attention. As soon as they saw me, they hastily bowed and opened the door. "Princess! Master Zhuwei! Please enter!" they said in unison.

We stepped inside and walked toward the throne at the far end of the room. As we approached, two middle-aged men turned around, surprised by our arrival.

"Yuming, what are you doing here?" a deep but gentle voice asked.

"I brought a guest, Father," I replied, stepping aside to reveal Zhuwei behind me. He smiled and bowed low, elegant as ever.

"Greetings, Your Majesty. I apologize for my unannounced visit. It is an honor to meet with you," he said, his voice steady and respectful.

"Oh, Zhuwei! Don't be ridiculous! You're like family to me! No need to be so formal!" the King said with a warm smile.

"Zhuwei!" Now, it was his father's turn to speak, his voice filled with affection.

"It's good to see you too, Father," Zhuwei answered.

"It's good that you're here, Zhuwei." The King placed a hand on the young scholar's shoulder. "I was just discussing the current..." He paused and glanced at me. "...situation with your father. I would like you to join our meeting, learn about your father's work, and perhaps you can help us find a solution."

"I would be more than honored to do so, Your Majesty," Zhuwei replied respectfully.

"And you, Yuming," my father said, turning his attention to me. "You should go out and play. Politics is no concern for a young girl like you."

Young girl? Nothing to be concerned with? I couldn't believe it. I was already 17, almost 18, and most importantly, I was the princess—the only heir to the throne, the future empress. If that was nothing to be concerned about, I wasn't sure what was.

"B-But Father!" I protested, my voice betraying my frustration. I wanted to know what was going on in the kingdom that I would one day rule. I had always felt that something was off, and whatever it was, it was clear that something was happening within the Kingdom. I needed to find out what it was.

If my father wouldn't allow me to leave the palace for my safety, as he always insisted, then the least he could do was let me join their meetings.

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"Enough. I said what I said, Yuming. This has nothing to do with you," he said firmly, pointing toward the door. "Please."

Zhuwei turned to me then, his tone gentle. "Do not worry, Yuming. I'll be with you again as soon as I can, and then we can have some tea and a chat together." He smiled at me, and that smile—so warm and reassuring—made me forget my protests.

"Very well, I'll see you later then, but be quick!" I said, turning to leave.

"Certainly," he replied softly, giving a slight nod of his head.

 ~~~

I sighed as I sat at the small tea table beneath the huge peach tree, its branches adorned with beautiful blossoms. I was so bored, and it felt like time was moving in slow motion. But finally, after what felt like an eternity, I heard a voice behind me.

"I was wrong. You are surely more beautiful than these peach blossoms. They cannot compare to your beauty," came the voice, followed by a soft chuckle.

I spun around, my face instantly burning hot and red. "Zh-Zhuwei! You're finally back!"

He smiled at me, his eyes warm. "I told you I would hurry. However, there are still some things left to discuss, so I, unfortunately, don't have much time, Yuming."

My smile faded into a pout. "You're always so busy."

He sighed softly. "I know, and I apologize. But you know I do all this work for my dream—to help you make this kingdom an even better place in the future."

He gently brushed a stray strand of hair out of my face and tucked it behind my ear, and I couldn't help but blush in return. Such a gentle gesture... it nearly took my breath away.

"Now, let's sit down and have some tea. We haven't seen each other in so long. Until I have to return to my duties, I'm all yours."

All yours. The words hung in the air, and I couldn't help but stare at him, feeling my heart race. He smiled at me, clearly amused.

"Tell me, what have you been up to while I was gone?" he asked.

The two of us chatted for a while, the conversation flowing easily as the sun began to set. The soft orange and pink hues of the fading light reflected off Zhuwei's face and eyes, making his features look even more beautiful and gentle.

"Unfortunately, it's time for me to return to my duties, Yuming," he finally said, his voice soft.

"Let me accompany you to your chambers," he added.

I couldn't believe it was already time for him to go. "Fine," I sighed, standing up and taking a step forward.

But as I moved, my foot got caught in my long gown, and I stumbled. I felt myself falling, and in that instant, panic struck. Oh no! Not only was I about to hurt myself, but I was going to embarrass myself in front of Zhuwei of all people! I closed my eyes, bracing for the fall.

The fall never came.

"Huh?" I slowly opened my eyes and found myself staring right into Zhuwei's deep, deer-like eyes, held securely in his strong arms, flush against his chest. For a moment, I got lost in his gaze, my heart racing, before I quickly pushed away, utterly embarrassed.

"I-I'm so sorry!" I exclaimed, turning my face away, my cheeks burning hot.

Zhuwei just smiled, as he always did. "Do not worry. As long as you are not hurt, I'm fine too!"

My heart was beating wildly. I had never been so close to a man before. Sure, Zhuwei and I had played together when we were children, but this was different. This was no longer the boy I knew, but the man he had become.

"Come on, let's go. It's already late." Zhuwei's voice gently pulled me from my racing thoughts, and he placed his hand on my lower back. He didn't quite touch me, but the gesture was enough to guide me toward my chambers.

When we finally reached my door, I blurted out a quick, clumsy goodbye and dashed into my room as fast as I could. That had been so embarrassing!

After taking a few deep breaths to calm myself, I sat down at my writing desk, my mind racing. Something was terribly wrong with the city—or maybe even the entire kingdom—and I had to figure out what it was. I had to prove to my father that I was capable of solving problems, that I was worthy of being the next heir to the throne. But why were they keeping things from me? Did my father not trust me? Did he not believe in me?

I was determined to find out what was going on out there. Out there. The thought almost felt foreign, like it belonged to a different world—literally otherworldly. Which, in a way, it was. I had never been beyond these thick palace walls.

My fists clenched, my knuckles turning white as I gripped them. I was going outside! Yes, outside! It was probably the craziest idea I'd ever had, but I had to do it. I needed to. I had to know the truth.

Ever since I was young, I'd been kept tucked away in the palace. My father always said it was for my safety and that a princess shouldn't roam the streets among dangerous people. But I knew the real reason—it was because he was scared something might happen to me. I was his only daughter, his last family member, ever since my mother passed away a few years ago from a disease.

I sighed. I understood my father's feelings. I wished I could have spent more time with my mother, too. But I didn't want to hurt my father. Still, I had to do this—for the future of the city, which was also my future.

"I'm sorry, Father. I'm so sorry," I whispered to myself, unclenching my fists.

Once everyone was asleep, I would sneak out. Yes, that was exactly what I was going to do! My heart raced with nervousness.

"Calm down. You can do this. No, you have to do this. For your future. For the future of the city and the entire kingdom. Prove them wrong," I told myself, standing up from my chair, all determination. "Prove them all wrong."

After I made my decision, and my servants helped me get ready for bed, I tried really hard to act normal, though my nerves were all over the place. I was going out. Outside of these walls, I had known all my life. Outside! Out!

Laying in bed, wide awake in the darkness, I waited. Time stretched on, feeling like an eternity. Quietness and the weight of what I was about to do settled over me. When I was sure everyone went to rest, I slipped out of bed, throwing on the cape I had hidden beneath my pillow. I lit the small lantern under my bed, its faint glow casting long shadows on the walls. With the hood pulled low over my face, I opened the door as silently as I could and stepped out into the corridor. My bare feet moved noiselessly against the polished wooden floor as I crept toward the outer doors. The air was cool and still, but my heart pounded like a war drum.

The palace grounds were eerily quiet as I made my way toward one of the main gates. I slipped on my shoes once I reached the stone pathways and clutched the lantern tightly. For a moment, doubt clawed at me. What if Father was right? What if the outside world was dangerous? But I needed to know. I had to see for myself what was going on beyond the walls.

When I reached the gate, I hesitated, my fingers trembling as they touched the heavy wooden door. With a deep breath, I pushed it open just enough to peek through the gap. What I saw made my blood run cold.

The city beyond was unrecognizable. The streets were lined with bodies—men, women, and even children. Some were sprawled motionless, others writhed weakly, their faces twisted in agony. Their skin was pale and blotchy, their eyes sunken and lifeless. Yet, the ones who moved were far worse. Their movements were jerky, and unnatural, like puppets controlled by invisible strings. Low, guttural groans filled the air, a sound that chilled me to the bone.

Before I could process what I was seeing, a ruckus broke out behind me. Loud shouts and the clatter of hurried footsteps echoed through the palace. I turned to see the guards rushing toward the gates, their faces pale with fear. The sick—those undead-like creatures—were at the palace walls, clawing and pounding on the gates, begging for the Emperor to save them.

"Open the gates! Help us!" one of them shrieked, their voice barely human. The palace gates groaned under the weight of their assault. Panic surged through me as I realized the gates might not hold.

"Yuming!" a familiar voice called out, and I turned to see Zhuwei running toward me. His face was grave, but his presence filled me with a flicker of hope. "What in the world are you doing out here? Why are you not in your chambers?" I couldn't even respond. "We need to leave. Now!"

"Leave?" I echoed, my voice trembling. "But... the palace...the people"

"The palace isn't safe anymore," he said, grabbing my hand. "I promised I'd protect you, and I will. Trust me."

There was no time to argue. He led me through the palace, dodging panicked servants and guards. As we reached the outer gardens, the sound of the gates breaking open sent a fresh wave of terror through me. The sick poured into the palace, their grotesque forms illuminated by flickering lantern light.

Zhuwei drew a blade from his side, its steel gleaming. "Stay close to me!" he commanded. I clutched his sleeve, my heart racing as we fled into the city.

The streets were chaos. Fires burned in the distance, and the stench of decay was overwhelming. The sick prowled everywhere, their groans and screams haunting. Zhuwei fought valiantly, cutting down the creatures that came too close.

"Go, Yuming!" he shouted as a particularly large group of the infected blocked our path. "I'll hold them off. Run to safety and don't look back!"

"No! I won't leave you!" I cried, but he pushed me forward.

"Go!" he yelled, his voice filled with urgency. Tears streamed down my face as I obeyed, running as fast as I could away from this terror. Behind me, the sound of his blade meeting flesh and his shouts of determination faded into the distance. I ran and ran until I was already close to the city walls separating us from the Forbidden Woods. Forbidden because majestic and powerful magical creatures roamed in there and stories were told of people gone missing, likely dead, unable to return to their beloved ones after being faced with whatever the thicket and trees of this forest had to hide. 

I paused under the huge city gate, tears still running. Looking around in panic, I realized I had no other choice: I took a deep breath and ran towards the woods. The forest swallowed me in darkness. The lantern in my hand barely lit the way, but I didn't stop running. Branches scratched at my arms and face, and roots threatened to trip me, but I pressed on. My chest burned, and my legs ached, but the thought of those creatures kept me moving.

Finally, in the distance, I could hear an ear-numbing screech which made me lose my focus and I stumbled over the root of a large tree, hitting the cold dark soil which kicked all the air out of my lungs. The woods were silent except for the rustling of leaves in the wind. I was alone. Zhuwei was gone. The palace was gone. My entire world had been turned upside down in a single night.

I hugged my knees to my chest, trying to keep the rising panic at bay. "I'll find you, Zhuwei," I whispered into the darkness. "I promise."

But for now, I had to survive.