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760 Words
The first meet.
The massive gates of Xuanhe Kingdom slowly opened before them.
Yuri and Jing followed closely behind the hunters as they entered the capital for the first time.
The city was unlike anything they had ever seen.
Wide stone streets stretched between rows of elegant buildings with curved roofs. Merchants called out from their stalls while children laughed and ran through crowded marketplaces. Colorful banners fluttered in the breeze, and the scent of freshly cooked food drifted through the air.
Jing's blue eyes widened with wonder.
"So many people..."
Yuri gently took her hand.
"Stay close, Young Miss."
The little girl nodded obediently, though her gaze continued to wander from one fascinating sight to another.
The hunters led them deeper into the city until they reached the inner district, where the homes grew larger and the guards more numerous.
Suddenly, a young servant came running toward them.
"Commander Wei!"
The leader of the hunters stopped.
The servant bowed hurriedly.
"His Highness has been looking for you. The Second Prince requests your presence at the palace immediately."
Commander Wei frowned slightly.
"The palace?"
"Yes, Commander."
The servant then noticed Yuri and Jing standing nearby but wisely asked no questions.
Commander Wei glanced toward the woman and child.
For a moment, he considered leaving them in the city.
Yet something about them seemed unusual.
A lone maid and a child appearing from the forbidden forest was no ordinary matter.
After a brief silence, he made his decision.
"They'll come with us."
The servant blinked.
"To the palace?"
Commander Wei nodded.
"I found them in the forest. His Highness may wish to hear their story."
Without waiting for an answer, he turned and continued walking.
Yuri exchanged a nervous glance with Jing before following.
The closer they drew to the palace, the more uneasy she became.
The Royal Palace of Xuanhe stood atop a hill overlooking the capital.
Golden roofs gleamed beneath the afternoon sun.
Towering walls surrounded countless courtyards, gardens, and grand halls.
Jing stared in amazement.
"It's bigger than all the houses put together."
Commander Wei allowed himself a faint smile.
"Indeed."
The palace gates opened, and the group entered.
Servants hurried through the corridors while officials moved between buildings carrying stacks of documents.
Everything felt orderly.
Disciplined.
Powerful.
Yuri lowered her gaze and kept Jing close.
A common traveler had no place within such walls.
Soon they arrived before a quiet pavilion overlooking a lotus pond.
Several guards stood nearby.
The moment they saw Commander Wei, they stepped aside.
"His Highness is waiting."
Commander Wei nodded.
He turned toward Yuri.
"Do not be afraid. The Second Prince is not someone who mistreats the innocent."
Yuri bowed respectfully.
"Thank you, Commander."
The guards opened the doors.
Inside sat a young man dressed in dark blue robes embroidered with silver dragons.
He appeared to be in his early twenties.
His features were handsome and refined, but there was a calm authority about him that made the room feel smaller.
The moment Yuri entered, she felt an invisible pressure settle over the room.
This was clearly a man accustomed to command.
Yet his eyes held a warmth that softened the intimidating aura surrounding him.
The prince looked up from the scroll he had been reading.
"Commander Wei."
His voice was calm.
"You've returned."
Wei knelt immediately.
"Your Highness."
The prince's gaze shifted toward Yuri and Jing.
A hint of surprise crossed his face.
"And who are our guests?"
Yuri immediately bowed deeply.
"This humble servant is called Yuri, Your Highness."
She gently guided Jing forward.
"This child is Jing."
The little girl stared openly at the prince.
Unlike Yuri, she seemed completely unafraid.
The Second Prince studied the child quietly.
Most people lowered their eyes in his presence.
Jing simply looked back at him with innocent curiosity.
For the first time that day, a genuine smile appeared on the prince's face.
"And how old are you, little one?"
Jing held up four fingers.
"I'm four."
Commander Wei nearly coughed.
No one spoke so casually to royalty.
Yet the prince merely chuckled.
"Four?"
Jing nodded seriously.
"Almost five."
The prince's smile widened.
Yuri nearly fainted from embarrassment.
To her surprise, however, the intimidating prince seemed more amused than offended.
As sunlight reflected across the lotus pond outside, none of them realized that this simple meeting would mark the beginning of a story that would change all of their lives.
Nor did Yuri know that fate had quietly begun weaving together the threads of a promise that would endure for years to come.
- Writer
