Greetings to all my beloved reader. It's been almost a month since I had update the last chapter. Like I said before my computer broke down. I'm currently waiting for my paycheck to buy the new ones. In the meantime, please accept this new chapter.
Read & Comment ^_^
Chapter 11: Earnest Wish
Balbadd's sky slowly turned bluish as a trace of sunlight could be spotted from the east. The wind continuously blew coldly from the sea bringing the aroma of salt to the people who readied to begin their daily routine.
From the top of the roof of Bailian Trading House's Branch in Balbadd, a figure was seen sitting in a yoga pose. Sweat beads from her forehead were the evidence of the mental burden that she had to let go in order to embrace peace and inner tranquillity. Her eyes were closed to gain more concentration as she cut down herself from the world.
"I'm trying to meditate here. I can't concentrate if some prince keeps stalking me." Xue Feng as she opened her eyes. Her eyes rested on Kouen who came with Koumei and their retainer.
"Who did you accuse of stalking, woman?" Kin Gaku exclaimed angrily.
Xue Feng rolled her eyes as she stood up. "Geez, someone just can't take a joke lightly." She said as she gave an eyes signal towards her subordinates. One of them wiped the sweat in her face before changing the veil that was covering her lower face with the new clean one. Xue Feng didn't even flinch when her scarred face was shown for a few seconds to the princes and their retainers. For her, it was nothing and she believed that Kouen and Koumei weren't the kind of person who would be surprised by her condition.
"To what reason do you visit me, your highness?" Xue Feng invited Kouen and Koumei to sit at chair prepared by her people. She signalled one of her worker to go down and fetch some drinks and breakfast for the three of them. "I thought that you're busy counting the resources that Balbadd had left."
"With Koumei, all I had to do is just reading the report that he made. Thanks to Ahmad's bizarre management, almost all of royal treasury were spent." Kouen stated.
Xue Feng sighed. "It's been almost five years since I came here. It hard to see the country that claimed to be the trading centre of the world regressed into this kind of state. The late King Rashid would be sad to see this. "
"You even know the former king of Balbadd?" Koumei asked; trying to mask his disbelief. First it was his father, then Prince Raja and now, the late Balbadd King. Is there any more royalty in the world that the Snow Phoenix didn't know?
"Of course. How can I get to build Bailian's branch trading house in Balbadd without his approval? Do you know it took almost three months for me to persuade him?" Xue Feng explained. "Well, he did take trading seriously. He knew that the only way that his country could survive while having infertile land for agriculture is by strengthening its trading and maritime activities. Sadly, during the event that contributed to his death, I'm busy at Kou trying to take down those thugs from Bo An port. While the officials were busy collecting taxes to fund Kou military campaign."
"Why you…" Kin Gaku almost throwing a tantrum if it was Kokuton Shuu prevented it. Xue Feng just flashed a smile as she knew that Kin Gaku wouldn't be able to do anything towards her.
"Greetings, your highness." Mei Hua greeted as she brought a tray of teapot and tea cups. The other worker was carrying a tray of breakfast. Only a fool couldn't notice Mei Hua distant and cold demeanour towards Koumei.
"Ah, just the person I need. Come let have a breakfast together." Xue Feng invited Mei Hua; causing her and Koumei to share an awkward glare. Xue Feng knew that the two of them hadn't been talking for days.
"I had eaten." Mei Hua gently refused.
"Don't lie. You had been burning midnight oil at the hospital every day. I can't have my right hand woman get sick. Sit down." Xue Feng insisted.
Mei Hua had no other option than to sit beside Koumei.
"I would say that Prince Koumei have done well revising the plan to control the Balbadd. Five years contract of slave and then they're free. Seem reasonable enough."
Xue Feng words caused Mei Hua to let out a soft but bitter laugh.
"But you have another thought. Was it too cruel?" Koumei asked; feeling dejected towards Mei Hua reaction.
Mei Hua gritted her teeth before faking a smile. "Of course not. I understand Prince Koumei idea. By making them a slave, you're able to control them much easier. It will also help in forcing them to adapt the idea that they're a Kou now. However, you need to be careful with your method, your highness. Unlike women, men are much more stubborn and egoist. Their prides keep blinding their eyes from seeing the truth."
"What exactly is the truth?" Koumei asked. His usually lazy eyes turned fiery with anger.
"The truth is that their lives are in stake here. They don't care what kind of good reason that we have. They see us usurper. Not to mention stripping their freedom and identity. We're the villain here. If you kept trying to force them to accept without understanding their pain, they will retaliate!" Mei Hua stated with fiery eyes. Her sudden temper surprised everyone as this was the first time Mei Hua ever spoke so 'rudely' towards the upper rank of authority.
Mei Hua then realised her unintentional burst. She gave a deep bow of apologies before went down to begin her work. Xue Feng and Kouen stared with one another before shifting their gaze towards Koumei who also trying to calm himself
"And I thought I was the one with a blunt mouth." Xue Feng smirked.
-X-
Inside the Bailian's branch quarter which built in the heart of Balbadd's trading port, Bailian worker who had been trained as healers were seen busy attending patients whom mostly were Balbadd's people. They wore green robe in Kou style which indicated their newly slaves' identity.
Under Xue Feng instruction, Mei Hua and her people renovate Bailian's branch quarter into a makeshift hospital specially to attend the Balbadd people for free. At first, Balbadd people were sceptical about going there. However, as the slave had nowhere to seek their medical need except Bailian, they reluctantly went there. After a month, the Bailian's branch quarter in Balbadd was officially known as the Bailian Kou Public Hospital.
"Mei Hua," Xue Feng walked closer towards her best friend who was busy attending her patient. Mei Hua grumpily sighed as she went to the medical storage supplies.
"What?" Mei Hua asked in annoyance as Xue Feng smiled teasingly toward her best friend. "I said that I'm fine, Xue."
"I don't think that your face indicate that you're fine, Mei." Xue Feng answered teasingly. "If it's about Prince Koumei…"
"Don't bother me, Xue." Mei Hua said as she arranging bandage and medicine to a metal tray. "I don't wish to talk about anything that…Prince Koumei!"
"Tsk, tsk, aren't you supposed to be an expert in hiding your feeling, Mei...?" Xue Feng refused to stop as this is the first time Mei Hua lost her temper towards a certain red hair prince.
"Stop it or else..." Mei Hua glared at Xue Feng. Her patience was running dried.
"You have a patient, Mei." Xue Feng exclaimed with a bit more serious tone. Mei Hua widened her eyes. She didn't realise that they already arrived at the diagnosis room. Mei Hua turned her body to face her patient. Her eyes widened again; this time with shocked and stunned face.
"What's…your name?" Mei Hua asked; trying to calm herself. The patient was a Balbadd's pregnant woman who came with her husband.
"Zaynab." The tall woman with dreadlocks answered. She had piercings on her ears, and on her bottom lips. "This is my husband, Hassan." She pointed at her tall, dark skinned husband, with dreadlock and an eye patch. He also had thick lips, a goatee, and had piercings in his ears and on his nose.
"Please, lay down." Mei Hua ordered. As Zaynab lay on the bed, Mei Hua proceeded examining her. Her face looked pale as her hand felt as cold as an ice.
"Is there anything wrong with the baby, doctor?" Hassan asked in a worried tone. Judging by Mei Hua's expression, he thought that something bad had happen to his unborn child.
"No, no, no," Mei Hua firmly answered as she wiped her cold sweats. "Forgive me. I'm not too well today." She gave a pale smile. "There is nothing wrong with your child even the mother is in a very good condition. From my calculation you're due for labor in about one week or so. It would be wise if you refrain from going out of house. I will ask your master to grant you leave, okay?"
"Thank you, doctor." Hassan and Zaynab said in unison.
Mei Hua sat at her chair, feeling suffocated. Xue Feng came and massaged her shoulder. "Now, are you ready to talk?"
"What's there to talk? The thing is…"
"The thing is I'm sorry for dragging you into this." Xue Feng said. "Yes, maybe I predicted that Prince Kouen would be doing unexpected interrogation towards me but I never predicted that he would use that particular 'poison'…" Xue Feng's stopped talking as she saw Mei Hua's face darkened at the mentioned of the poison.
"It wasn't your fault, Xue."
"It wasn't Prince Koumei's fault either." Xue Feng stated in monotone. "He didn't know…"
"Even so," Mei Hua gripped her own hand. "To use that despicable way in other to achieve what he want, how can I forgive him?"
As Xue Feng tried to comfort her friend again, something caught her eyes. Her eyes widened to see a foreign object like crystal ball was threw into the room.
"Code yellow!" She screamed as she saw flames shooting coming towards her. A loud and destructive noise could be heard as one of the Bailian Kou Public Hospital's room exploded.
-X-
"What happens?" Koumei asked after he hastily ran towards Kouen. He was shocked to hear a loud explosion from the Bailian Kou Public Hospital. They and their retainers stood just in front of the Bailian Kou Public Hospital which was now surrounded by Kou army.
"The hospital had been attacked by terrorist." Kouen answered stoically. His eyes showed a bit mixture of shock and worry. He watched as his soldier took a battle stand as they wait for his further instruction.
'What?' Koumei face darkened.
"How did they have the weapon to do the attack? We already stopped any means of transportation and distribution?" Shou En asked.
"It could be that they had helped to smuggle to weapon from the outside." Koumei stated.
"Did your highness mean…."
They all stood silent as one name muttered in each of their hearts.
'AL-THAMEN!"
A few moment later, three men came out of the hospital. They were holding dark metal vessels. "We're the Balbadd liberation army. We demand that Kou get out from our country now."
"Your highness let us crush those insolent slaves." Kin Gaku exclaimed.
"But what about Bailian's people? Not to mention that Lady Xue Feng and Mei Hua are also inside of the building as we speak." Kokuton Shuu stated.
Koumei and Kouen stared at each other. For the first time, their enemy had the upper hand. For the first time, they had someone that they wouldn't forgive themselves if anything happened to that someone!
-X-
Mei Hua opened her eyes as she felt a sudden pain in her back. She then realised that Xue Feng was kicking her back to wake her up. "Xue!" She said; half screaming.
Xue Feng shook her head to signal Mei Hua to lower her voice. Mei Hua looked toward her surroundings. The dusty air surrounded the place as she could see one of the wall destroyed.
"It's okay, the hospital wasn't collapsed." Xue Feng assured her. "Thank goodness that we had already installed the force field to minimise the hospital explosion."
"But it doesn't stop them from entering this building. Many of the stranded are wounded. Not to mention we were tied...again..." Mei Hua sighed as she scanned the hall of the lower floor of the building. They and all Bailian worker were chained in one corner; surrounded by Balbadd slave who happened to be armoured with dark metal vessel. While a few Balbadd slave were gathered in one corner however without any chain
"How the situation?" Xue Feng asked one of her subordinate, Lai. Without the Balbadd terrorist knowing, Lai was actually wearing a magical contact lenses which allowed him to see from far away and even could penetrate through the brick and wall of the buildings.
"Negative. This building is surrounded by them from all level. I recognize most of them were disguising themselves as patient. I could also see that Prince Kouen's army at the front of the building but they are not making any action. I believe they're being cautious about our safety." Lai answered.
Xue Feng smirked. 'Kouen is worried about Bailian's people safety? Well, that's the first.' She knew if it was the old Kouen, he would never hesitate to sacrifice a few lives if it could minimise the loss.
"What are we going to do, mistress?" Lai asked.
"What's important now is to make sure that everyone come out alive especially the Balbadd slave that don't involve with the terrorist." Xue Feng said. "Let's proceed with the 'initiative' plan, shall we..."
"Shut up, Kou!" One of the Balbadd terrorist came toward Xue Feng and her people as he caught them whispering with another.
Xue Feng smirked as she asked, "Who is this fool?"
"One of the salve, I presume." Mei Hua answered.
"Arghh!" Xue Feng's and Mei Hua's hair were pulled as they were forced to stand up by two of the Kou terrorist.
"The only reason why you're alive is because you were Kouen and Koumei woman!" One of the terrorist screamed. His claim caused Xue Feng and Mei Hua to widen their eyes while all Bailian people sweat dropped.
Xue Feng and Mei Hua burst to laugh as hard as they could.
"Where do you get that kind of idea?" Xue Feng asked with a smirk.
"Don't play with me. Everyone could see how close you two were with the princes." One of the terrorist claimed although his tone sounded flustered and embarrassed.
"And so... you think the prince will do to your bidding because of us. I don't think so." Xue Feng said.
"A selfish person like them. We're only pawns or tools. You're wasting your time." Mei Hua added.
"Why you..." The terrorist that was holding Mei Hua was going to hit her.
Actually this is the moment that Xue Feng and her people had been waiting for. As soon as the terrorist started to strike, they would proceed with their 'initiative' plan. However, before they could do it.
"Arggh!"
-X-
The sound of a woman screamed in pain halt their plan to escape. One of the terrorist when to the corner where the innocent Balbadd slaves were held.
"What's going on?" He asked toward them rudely. He looked towards the woman with a black dreadlock who was sweating and grimaced in pain.
"She is having a contraction. She is going into labour soon." The husband of the woman answered. Xue Feng and Mei Hua recognize the two of them which were Zaynab and Hassan. Xue Feng gritted her teeth as she signalled his people to lay low for a while.
"Let us save her!" Xue Feng said in firmly voice. "Mei, you need to attend her."
Mei Hua face turned to shock. "What? You know that I can't do that!"
"We had no time Mei. The longer that we wait she will lose more blood. By then she and the baby will not make it!" Xue Feng argued.
"Shut up! I said nobody moves!" The terrorist screamed.
Xue Feng bit her lips before she screamed as she could. "I WILL NOT!"
"You said that you are doing this for your people! You want to free your country from the usurpers. And then, for this grant cause of your, does a puny life of her and her baby mean nothing?! If that so than you are nothing but a thug! Not a hero!" Xue Feng stated fiercely. "You can kill me now and let the woman died to. But your people will never see you in the same light again."
Xue Feng words caused the terrorist to think for a second. After all, they could sense angry aura from the innocent Balbadd group. They could tell that what Xue Feng said was right. If the woman died in this place then, their cause would be considered selfish and only for themselves.
"Okay, fine! You're a doctor, right?" The terrorist leader threw untied Mei Hua to the ground. "Then, help that woman to give birth."
"Alone? But I need help from my assistance..." Mei Hua tried to argue but she was shut down with a sword in her neck.
"Are you going to save her or do you wishes to die right now?"
Mei Hua looked at Xue Feng in exasperation. Xue Feng gave her a nod as a signal for her to do whatever the terrorist said for now.
Mei Hua tried to calm herself as she could felt her whole body shaking. For some reason she looked pale and frightened.
"What are you waiting for?!" The terrorist asked impatiently.
Mei Hua opened her eyes as she tied her hair. "I need a clean bed and a basin with hot water. Also my medical equipment, now!" She said with a more determine voice.
-X-
It's been three hours since Bailian Kou Public Hospital was attack by Balbadd terrorist. Mei Hua and Zaynab were taken to one of the operation room for the labour. Hassan was also given permission to assist Mei Hua. Mei Hua checked Zaynab condition. "Zaynab, listen to me. You're ready for your contraction. I want you to push as hard as you can in the count of three! One...two...three...!"
"Argghh!" Zaynab screamed as she pushed as hard as she can.
"Again!" Mei Hua ordered.
"Argghh!"
Mei Hua looked grim as she realised that the baby head was too big to be push out. 'I need to get the baby out or she will lose more blood."
"What? What's going on?" One of the terrorist asked impatiently.
"The baby head is too big. I need to cut her abdomen opened in order to bring the baby out safely." Mei Hua explained.
"What? Are you crazy?!" Hassan argued. He never ever heard about cutting someone stomach in order to bring the baby out!
"I know that this is your first hearing about this. But my medical team had been studying of how to cut people body so that we can treat internal injuries or cut out growth. The operation is risky but if we wait much longer then the baby will die out of suffocation while the mother will also die for losing a lot of blood." Mei Hua explained urgently.
"Then, you do it!" The terrorist ordered.
Mei Hua shook her head in fear. "Wait, I'm not an expert on this. Please, untie my assistant, Lian Ling. She's the expert in being midwife..."
"Are you kidding me?!" The terrorist screamed. "Do you think that I would let you plan an escape with her? You're a healer! Of course, you can do it."
"But!"
"Time is running out, Kou! Do you wish for them to die in your hands?" The terrorist said as he smirked evilly.
Mei Hua gritted her teeth. She didn't like the sound of what the terrorist said. It as if he didn't want the baby to be born.
"Healer, please!" Hassan pleaded to Mei Hua to do anything to save his wife and unborn baby.
"Heat a small knife with fire from the oil lamp." Mei Hua ordered. She then gave Zaynab drank a potion that would made her felt drowsy and now. Hassan gave her the heated knife. With a shaking hand, she proceeded to carefully cut open Zaynab's abdomen and uterus.
After a few hours later, Mei Hua safely pulled out a healthy baby boy. The baby cried echoed through the whole room.
"It's…it's a boy." Mei Hua said as she chuckled. She was so happy that she was able to deliver the baby safely into this.
"Thank you, thank you so much." Hassan said; couldn't contain his happiness. However their happiness was cut short when one of the terrorist took the baby by force.
"Wait, what're you doing?" Mei Hua asked.
"If I want my people to obey me, I need a reason, right. So they must feel angry if they now that the newly born baby was killed by you, Kou woman." The terrorist explained.
"Are you crazy?" Hassan asked, in fear and disbelieve that his people could resort into that despicable idea.
"Everything is for the sake of Balbadd's freedom." The terrorist said as he ready to bury a knife on the baby body.
"No!"
In an instant, the terrorist body succumbed to the ground as blood splattered everywhere. Mei Hua quickly took the baby from the terrorist grasp as she saw an arrow buried in his back. The other terrorist were attacked by arrows which came out of nowhere. The remaining terrorist panicked and tried to attack them but Hassan acted first by throwing the knife used in the operation to the man throat.
"You traitor...you kill your own people." That terrorist said before he died.
"Don't feel sorry for him, Hassan." Xue Feng came out of her hiding with three of her worker. Actually, she use invisibility magical item to cloak her and her people. "Those who don't value the life of innocent aren't worthy to be saved."
"Well said, Snow Phoenix." Kouen came in with Koumei.
"Prince Kouen… Prince Koumei…" Mei Hua was shocked to see them.
"They got the metal bird that I released before the explosion. Inside the metal bird is the map of our underground route. So they followed it and ambush while you are taken into this room." Xue Feng then did the unthinkable; she hugged Mei Hua as tightly as she can. "You did a good job, Mei.
-X-
After the situation began to stabilise, all of the hostage were treated by uninjured Bailian's healer. While Kouen army had already apprehend all the terrorist into the dungeon before they decided the suitable punishment for them. In one of the tent outside of quarter-destroyed Bailian Kou Public Hospital, Mei Hua was seen stitching Xue Feng left palm. She also received a treatment on her head. However, she stubbornly wanted to attend Xue Feng as she was her personal doctor.
"Miss Mei Hua…" Mei Hua finished her stitched before turning around to find Hassan came with Zaynab. Zaynab was sitting on a wooden wheelchair; carrying their newly born child. "Thank you so much for saving my son." Zaynab said.
"No, it's nothing, actually." Mei Hua answered awkwardly. She obviously felt uneasy to receive their gratitude.
"How can you say it's nothing? If it wasn't because of you then, maybe I wouldn't be able to hold my son alive." Zaynab said in a grateful tone as she grabbed Mei Hua hand. This caused Mei Hua to feel more uncomfortable but she tried to act as calm as she can.
"Will you grant us a name for our child?" Hassan asked.
"…Me?!" Mei Hua was shocked. "I don't think that is appropriate."
"Please, you're our child saviour." Zaynab pleaded, unable to detect Mei Hua restless face.
Xue Feng, who heard the whole conversation, patted Mei Hua's shoulder. "It's not nice to turn down their request Mei."
Mei Hua lowered her face as she thought hard about the suitable name for the newly born baby boy. "What about Zassan?"
"Zassan?" Hassan and Zaynab were a bit confused to hear the unique name that they never heard before.
"Well, it's a mixture of your name and your husband. Is that okay?" Mei Hua explained.
"I like it." Zaynab smiled in happiness as she patted her son soft head. "For now on, we'll call you Zassan." The happily Balbadd couple then took their leave.
"I'll check the other patient." Mei Hua said as she also took her leave.
'That stubborn girl. What would it take for her to open her heart? Maybe, she needs some 'red haired' assistance…' Xue Feng thought as she stood up. Thank goodness that everything ended with minimal casualty. She secretly felt relieved that Kouen decided to only imprison the Balbadd terrorist who were involve in that incident. After all, it would not do them any good if Kouen decided to deal with iron fist.
"Are you okay?"
Xue Feng raised her eyebrows as she stared at Kouen who was standing beside her. She couldn't believe that she heard Kouen, the First Imperial Prince of Kou asking about her condition!
"Need to prepare if you faint again." Kouen stated stoically as he hugged his body.
Xue Feng gave a sardonic smile. "It wasn't me that you need to be worried about. Nevertheless, you're not the one that she need."
Kouen took turn to raise his eyebrows; didn't understand her words.
"Usually, Mei Hua likes to walk across the seashore when she felt sad or restless. Maybe she will go for a walk tonight. Well, one can hope." Xue Feng said as loud as she could before walking away.
Kouen gave a little smirk as he came to understand what Xue Feng was implying. He could sense Koumei presence in a nearby tent; clearly 'overheard' Xue Feng statement.
'That sly woman.' Kouen stated in his heart.
-X-
Mei Hua strolled across the seashore. She wished to clear her mind especially after what happen today. Even if she took some rest and sleep, she would only be awakened by a nightmare. A nightmare of her past.
For some reason, she envied Zassan who was born for about six hours ago. His parent was willing to die for sake of their children. They were even willing to sacrifice their freedom and identity so that their child could start a new leaf. Their earnest wish lived on to the child heart and soul.
What about her? Did she live because of her parent's sacrifice? 'No…' Mei Hua smirked bitterly. They only saw her as a tool to climb the ladder of Gai society. Ever since she was sold to the Gai royalty, she never saw them anymore. Especially after Gai fallen into Kou submission, she was sold as a slave and she believed that they would already die from the war.
"Mei Hua..."
Mei Hua raised her head as she saw Koumei in front of her. The Second Imperial Prince of Kou was alone without a guard. The metal vessel fan that never left his grasp was securely tied in his waist sash. Koumei looked into her eyes as if he was waiting for her to say something. To say what was really in her mind.
"Do you know?" Mei Hua turned her body. She wasn't brave enough to face Koumei while speaking the truth about her past. "Ever since I was born, I was sold to the Gai's royalty in order to be trained to become Gai's royal medicine specialist in poison. I was called a genius that could create a poison that could force people to tell the truth. Do you know what kind of poison is that?"
"Red Frog Egg's Poison?" Koumei answered, his voice tone shown a little bit of disbelieved. "There was no record about you as the creator of the poison."
"Of course not. Gai society used patron system. Everything that was created under the fund of a patron would record the patron name as the creator. They believed it was their credit as they gave the money and resources to create it. And I was only a mere servant loyal to the Gai. I believe that everything that I do was for the sake of Gai as I was the Gai's children. Until..." Mei Hua voice was shaken as her tears began to fall from her cheek.
"There was this one time; I came across the investigation division. I saw by myself how they questioned a pregnant royal concubine accuse of adultery. I watched as the Red Frog's Poison weaken her and devour her body until she confesses that the child was not royalty. I tried to save her and her baby with everything that I can but I...but I...I failed..." Mei Hua hands was shaking a lot as she remembered the blood was covered her hand as the concubine drew her last breath.
"She died. Her unborn child also died. And many more whom I didn't even know their names. It was all because of me. Tell me, does someone like me deserved to stay alive?!" Mei Hua asked.
"Yes." Koumei said without a doubt. Mei Hua eyes widened by his statement.
"My hands were not clean too. These hands are soaking with the blood stains of my people who sacrifice themselves so that they could achieve my ambition. There were also bloods of my enemies that I kill in the name of righteous. While the truth is I was just eliminating the obstacle of my goal. That's how I see my enemy. They're not humans anymore but obstacles, only obstacles. Even so..." Koumei move closer towards Mei Hua as he caressed her damp cheek. "I still believe that I deserve to live. I had to, because I still have a wish that I need to make it come true. And I believe that you have your own wish to, right?"
"I wish for my sins to be forgiven and to never let the same things happen again." Mei Hua said.
"Then live in order to achieve that wish, will you?" Koumei said as he flashed his first genuine smile towards Mei Hua. The smile that was never seen by his family or his people. The smile that died as his mother died two decade ago.
Mei Hua was so touched that she cried on Koumei shoulder. They stayed there for a few while unknowing that they were monitored by Flame Emperor and Snow Phoenix.
-X-
"I can assume now that your favourite past time is to stalk people." Kouen's voice echoed on the rooftop of Balbadd's Bailian Branch Residence Building. The building was situated just opposite the seashore, making it a perfect spot to admire the sea view or 'other' interesting view.
Xue Feng smirked as she could sense a presence behind her back a few while ago. Although she didn't try to turn around. Instead, she merely turned to her head towards Kouen after the First Imperial Prince of Kou stopped beside of here.
"And yet you still love to join me." She said, with a hint of tease. "Will you do something about them?"
"What for?" Kouen asked back.
"It would be better to separate them before their feelings start to deepen. I wouldn't want my best friend to be heartbroken after falling deeply in love with The Second Imperial Prince of Kou Empire." Xue Feng stated.
"You think that I would disapprove of their relationship?"
"Well, can a leopard be together with a zebra, your highness? Spot can only be together with spot, never with stripes. Prince Koumei has his responsibilities to marry princess or noble in order to maintain the power and status of Kou royal house. While, Mei Hua was a former slave and one of the best poison master of Gai. Their union will be full of struggle and hardship. They may end up miserable for the rest of their life." Xue Feng said in a monotone voice.
"You're cold." Kouen said as he hugged his body.
Xue Feng let out a sardonic smile as she answered back, "I'm supposed to be, remember?"
"Love is a sources of happiness but it also the cause of pain." Kouen stated stoically.
Xue Feng raised her eyebrow. "I never know that you're a romantic person. You sound as if you were in love before."
"Love doesn't necessarily only between lover. You can find love in every relationship, between family, between friends or comrades." Kouen answered without being flustered. His voice sounded genuine and truth.
"You must be talking about your father then…" Xue Feng took a guess. This time she could sense that Kouen struggled to stay calm and collected. The First Imperial Prince stood silent for a few while without saying anything. Xue Feng knew that the prince wasn't willing to disclose the matter of his heart to her. She didn't take it to heart though. She wasn't the right person for him to disclose his feeling. Kouen needed someone that he could share his feeling and pain. Someone who could bypass his rank and position as the heir successor to the Kou Empire. Someone that never going to be her.
"Well, it's been long since I felt it…" Xue Feng said; decided to break the silent.
"The feeling of love?"
"Uh hum, love is a mixture of various emotions: happiness, sadness, anger and fear. Without those for emotion in my soul, my ability to feel love is constraint, you can also say minimise. I can never expresses or portray it as deeply as I can before."
"What about your feeling toward Prince Hakuren?" Kouen asked. "Is it true what you're saying at the ship before we went inside the Sapphire stone?"
Xue Feng lowered her head. "Don't worry. Although I couldn't feel love, doesn't mean that I don't feel pain. The pain of losing him still closing wounded my heart until today. I could never forgive myself for using his name in order to get to you."
"You're punishing yourself."
"Well, didn't you do the same too? Wasn't you also punishing yourself for not being able to protect him?" Xue Feng said before she walked away.
-X-
Chapter 12: The Prayer
She hides behind the bushes. After the boat left her at deserted seashore of the Cursed Island, she carefully searched through the island just like the shadow lurking in the night. Her unbearable training with Shimla physician a.k.a. one of the best Nameless warrior proved to be useful in her covert mission.
It's had been almost three days she observed the small community lived on the Cursed Island. From what she learned from Koutoku, people there are made up of the last Go royalty and their loyal retainer. They decided to hide their identity and became farmer.
"As of now, the only members of Go royalty left are only three; Gou Liang, Gou Hui and their daughter, Gou Fang. While the rest are their loyal retainer. Your mission was to eliminate the three Gou."
Xue Feng gripped her sword. Her hand was shaken so badly. She never would have thought that her will kill a person.
"For Hakuren!"
Author notes:
How was it? Was it satisfying after a month of my absence? This chapter touch more about Mei Hua background story and her reason of staying with Xue Feng although she was one of the fearsome poison maker. Also the reason why she detest the use of Red Frog's Egg Poison. I want to make that of the reason of Gai country demise was their exploitation of children to become child soldier which is what happen to Mei Hua. They were brainwashed since birth that what they're doing were for the sake of Gai no matter how many were sacrifice to achieve that.
Also I write the cameo of Alibaba companion in Balbadd; Hassan and Zaynab (Magi wiki). As you know, there will come a time that Alibaba come to Balbadd again and find out that Hassan and Zaynab already married and had a son. This chapter touches on how the baby came into this world and the condition before Balbadd people truly accept the slavery policy.
Next chapter will touches about Fang background story as the last princess of Go. We only had 3 chapter more before to conclude the first part of the story. Stay tunes everyone ^_^