LOTUS

CHAPTER II: The Second Prince

ONE YEAR LATER

-At a forest within the northern empire-

Hooves resounded as numerous men with bows and arrows run about to catch their prey. Among the group is a young man of noble blood, the empires’ second prince. Out on a hunt, the young prince is having the time of his life. However, dangers lurk and eyes are vigilant to the prince’s every move. A deer appeared out of nowhere and the prince found his prey. He followed the deer very closely that he forgot about his surroundings and got separated from his hunting party. However, his focus can’t be broken from the prize before him, his breathing was silent, calm like the hunter that he is right now. Not a second later, he went for the kill. As he let go of his bowstring, he sensed an object coming right at his direction, he tried to dodge but it was too late and he felt an excruciating pain radiating from his right shoulder down to the tips of his fingers. He looked to his right and found figures cloaked in black, this is the third assassination this month, his enemies just keep on growing. How he wished he has a harem this passionate in pursuing him.

He cleared his mind and assessed his situation, not wasting a second longer, he drew his sword with his uninjured hand, ready to defend his life. Thinking about what’s happening he can’t help to let out a laugh. Just a while ago he was about to end his prey but here he is now, a hunter being hunted. Oh, how the tables have turned.

He crouched down readying his stance, his eyes focused on his killers. Without hesitation, they attacked all at once unrelenting like the wild. They rained him with blows but he was as vicious as they are. Right now he is a cornered animal and he’s not backing down without a fight. The exchange continued, blood is spilled and only three assassins were left. The prince was badly injured but he has no plans of dying within their hands. He mustered all the strength that he has and intercepted all the attacks directed towards him. He was able to stab the first one closest to him and cut of the other’s leg.

Black spots started to dance at his eyes, he shook his head and used his sword to support his weight. Only a single man remains, his body was motionless from exhaustion and from the loss of blood. He tried to clear his mind but failed, the pain and nausea is weighing him down like blocks on his back.

The world he saw was blurry but as the remaining assassin launched a final blow, he saw mint-colored skirts obstructing his view. For a second he was confused. The world was a blur and he was just a spectator trying to make out what’s going on. He couldn’t remember how he ended up lying on the ground but he knew he’s losing consciousness. And somehow all he can see was a petite figure and the remaining assassin locked in an intense fight. His ears are ringing from the clashing of their swords but he couldn’t figure out why his heart was beating inside his chest, just watching the small figure before him. Although he couldn’t see clearly, his savior looked like a master dancing with the wind. His robes spreading out every time he moved his body. His movements fluid like water. The prince got confused from all his emotions and thoughts but one thing is for sure, he admires this brave fellow.

His body could not take it anymore and his eyes closed on their own accord, he tried to peel them open to keep watching the fight, and maybe see his savior’s face. He must be out of his mind but he hoped on himself that maybe just maybe, his savior would turn out to be a girl.

The clashing stopped and footsteps were coming towards him, he didn’t know who won the fight but he couldn’t sense any ill intent in the air so he trusted his gut and stayed still. It’s not like he can move anyway. He thought to himself.

The footsteps stopped and a sweet scent wafted through his nose. He inhaled deeply like he needed it to stay alive. He felt pressure on his wounds and a soft feeling behind his head. The scent got stronger, filling his nose with its sweetness, so with the remaining strength from his body, he forced his eyes to crack open. All he could manage was a tiny crack but it was enough to see what’s before him. For some reason, he felt thankful to those assassins and whoever had the audacity to hire them.

He didn’t know if it's because of his injury that he’s being delusional, but the beauty before him is surely out of this world. With features as lovely as the freshly bloomed lotuses in the palace garden, his heart raced like the thumping of hooves coming their way. It must be the rest of his hunting party, he thought. He heard the familiar voice of his personal guard confirming his guess. At this, the beauty who rescued him stiffened and observed their surroundings. He tried to speak to her but all he could muster was a hoarse “my men”. She understood and called out to the approaching group.

A voice as melodic as the ringing of bells was all he could hear.  “I must be on my way to die,” he thought to himself listening to her voice. He’s embarrassed at how badly he looks like and the state he’s in right now. He wanted to slice his sword to those assassins once again

The sweet voice continued to call out until a loud call boomed in the air.

“Your majesty!” he can hear his personal guard. He felt the body supporting him stiffen from the mention of his title and strong calloused hands replaced his savior’s soft ones. He wanted to protest but he’s too weak, he couldn’t even express his gratitude. The last thing he saw before blacking out was her eyes, and he couldn’t think of a better word to describe it but one thing is for sure, it captured his heart and the one who’s hunting just got hunted.