In Search

The sun peaking from a mountain gave a string of light in the dark dawn. Lights from inside the lined up houses have been gradually turned off as morning waves hello. Sounds of chattering, dishes, footsteps, and neighing of horses dragging carriages and carts can be heard as a start of embracing a new day. Morning dew has given the surroundings a cold fleeting feeling but the young maiden under a lazy tree was not even fazed nor bothered. Her head lifted up the sky, watching the sun hidden at a mountain as it makes its way up the empty sky. Eyes filled with emptiness, a beautiful irony yet why does it sound so painful? "Mr. Kai" A voice called out from behind. The young lady shook her head and carefully stood up. The sound of the sword in her waist that swayed as she stood up broke the tranquility of the place. Her boots tapped the ground with a low music as she turn around towards the person calling her. "Speak." A low, warm yet blank voice came out from her lips as soon as it opened. Giving a manly sound. "His highness asks for your presence." The maid speaked with heed held down. Hands cold. Voice trembling. Afraid of the person they're speaking with yet the excitement behind the nervousness can't be missed. Hair swaying from the ponytail, hand holding the sword located at her left, cape that seemed to stop as he started his first step, Kai breathed deeply and walked towards his horse and rode it towards the direction of the palace. The maid that was left behind stood there in awe as she watched the back of the rumored knight vanish before her eyes. The words she heard describing the knight is an understatement. No words can describe how beautiful Mr. Kai is. From his cool demeanor, his refined built, his placid voice, his scary atmosphere, to his unmasked face. What a shame that no one got to see the face behind that handsome voice. Still, that didn't stop every maid in the palace in dreaming of catching his attention even just for a second. Kai held the rope tightly as the horse slowly walked towards the palace's entrance. The guard held the reins as she jumped from the animal. She bowed her head as a greeting and thanks towards the other knights guarding the palace. She then walked towards the prince's courtyard where his highness is waiting. As she walked slowly, she remembered why she ended up in this wretched position. Why a lady wields a sword instead of drinking teas and living peacefully.Why a lady wears heavy armored dress instead of regale gowns. Why a woman is living a man's life. The Raein family is known for their strength and power. Most of the first born are men and were to follow the footsteps of the ancestors. Kai was born a lady. No one came after her. Ever since she knew, she have been living in hiding and greets people as a man. She didn't know why. Her parents can still conceive a boy. Why make her act one? When she asked this, her parents just looked at her with pity and cried out with forgiveness. They never told her their reasons. Eventually, she found out that it was because of her grandmother. A second wife who wants to hold the household in her palms. Yet, even with this knowledge, she still can't grasp the idea why she must act like a man. She wanted to be free from the chains, act like what she is supposed to be. She's tired from all the training, the hardships,and the hiding. Fortunately, her mom got pregnant, she beared a son. She was so happy! Finally, a life she can call her own. She asked her parents to let the happy news out. Her parents, seeing her with so much energy, agreed but insisted to wait for a little more time, until his brother would reach thrre years old which she then agreed. Ever since she was young, her parents have been living in hiding. They're living far from the household, far from the city, far from the country. One day, when she came back from months of training, she found her family bathed in blood. Lifeless. Blood drained from her body. Her breathing ragged. Her body shaking, quivering from the scene in front her. Her parents. She screamed! She cried! Her family was killed! Brutally! If only, if only, she arrived earlier. If only she came faster. If only she didn't stop to buy them food. If only she rushed in going home. She could've saved them! She ran towards the dead body of her parents and hugged them tightly. She cried and cried and cried. She can't ask anyone about what happened. They're living in a secluded place. No other people is around but them. She was heaving as she looked at her parents holding each other til death when a realization came upon her. Where is his brother? "KAI." "Your highness" she said as she bowed her head. She held her head up and looked at the prince who new everything about her. He's her only hope in order to find the person behind her parents' death. Her vision then looked at the person beside the prince. His partner who is void of information about her, is looking at her with those piercing gazes. "You're late."