A Love Written In The Stars

"Had I truly shaken off danger, or was it only a matter of time before they found me again?"

———

Mei's Pov:

Golden Lantern Alley buzzed with noise—vendors arguing over prices, children darting between people, and the faint sound of metal clanging from a nearby blacksmith. But with every step I took, I felt unsettled, as if something was wrong. My instincts told me someone was following me.

The feeling pricked at my neck, a nagging warning I couldn't shake off. I feigned interest in a stall selling hair ornaments while stealing glances over my shoulder. There they were: the same men from the teahouse, wearing strange cloaks that stood out among the locals. They moved together, staying just within my sight.

They acted like they were shopping, but I could feel their eyes watching me closely. They might have been merchants, but real merchants didn't linger like this. I slipped deeper into the crowd, my heart racing with each cautious step.

I moved quickly, slipping into a busy stall filled with cloth. The bright colors of the silks blurred in my vision until I spotted a simple white dress with a delicate veil. I quickly bargained with the shopkeeper, my words clear and to the point. He agreed easily, and soon I was behind a dressing screen, changing into my new outfit.

When I came out, the change was obvious. The veil covered my face, leaving only my smile visible, warm and friendly. A young man, alone and looking kind, stood nearby. I walked over, calm and polite, asking if he could escort me. He smiled, clearly flattered, and offered his arm.

We walked together, my veil angled just right to hide my face. I spotted the men who had been following me, they looked confused, their eyes searching, but they couldn't see me anymore. Once we turned a corner, I smiled at my companion.

"Thank you for your company," I said, giving a smile that I hoped looked genuine.

"It was my pleasure," he replied with a polite bow. "I am Li Ming. What should I call you?"

"Meiying," I answered, deciding it was safe to share my name now.

Li Ming smiled warmly. "A beautiful name for a beautiful woman. I hope this won't be our last meeting, Meiying."

With another bow, he disappeared into the crowd.

I paused for a moment, my mind returning to the men still hanging around in the distance. I wanted to turn and face them, but something stopped me. I couldn't risk making a mistake now. I had lost them, and that was enough for now.

But I knew this wasn't over. They would come back. Someone, somewhere would make their move soon.

Taking a deep breath, I pushed forward, blending into the busy streets once again.

The palace

The sun had set when Cheng entered the palace's jewel-bright chamber. Ministers whispered behind their painted fans as the emperor slowly sat on his throne.

"The people are getting worried about the choice of the next emperor, your majesty." Minister Li said.

"Prince Cheng's health is...uncertain, and Prince Yizong shows no interest in ruling. Maybe we should name Prince Xuan as the first in line."

Cheng tensed but stayed silent. The emperor frowned, sinking further into the soft cushions of his throne.

"My son Cheng will follow me, as god have decreed."

Another man stepped forward. "With all due respect, Your Majesty, this curse threatens the empire's stability. Prince Feng's line is free from magic—he would provide a reliable hand."

Murmurs grew louder, like the rumble of a storm, until the emperor slammed his fan onto the armrest. "Enough!"

The court went silent. But in the averted gazes, Cheng saw that the storm had only just begun to rise.

As the emperor's voice rang through the throne room, Cheng felt the familiar tremor deep within. Lokiàn Shén, clawing its way up his throat, an overwhelming surge of energy.

Not now.

Cheng swallowed hard, locking his knees to stay upright as flames flickered behind his eyes. Sweat trickled down his brow. If the curse overtook him now, his weakness would be laid bare—and his enemies would have the proof they needed.

Slowly, carefully, Cheng whispered the incantations that usually calmed the chaos within. But this time, the fury within surged stronger, fed by days of suppressed anguish. The power roared, refusing to be contained.

He gritted his teeth, summoning every ounce of strength from his weary body, forcing the spirit back, inch by inch, until it finally retreated. When he opened his eyes again, his visions had cleared, and no one seemed to have noticed the struggle.

The emperor's expression was serious. "I understand the people's concerns about the next successor, but you, Cheng, have always been the best of my sons."

A heavy silence filled the room as Cheng sank to his knees. "Father...

It appeared like a gesture of respect, but inside, he felt drained from the struggle.

"Rise my son. My age and wisdom may fade, but I am still the master of this house. Cheng will be named heir and crowned emperor when I am gone."

Murmurs of dissent arose again, but the emperor's words were final.

As Cheng bowed deeply in gratitude and relief, he caught glimpses of disdain and calculation on the faces of some courtiers from the corners of his vision.

"Your Majesty, you cannot ignore Prince Cheng's cursed weakness!" Minister Li shouted. "The people will not accept a leader burdened by a curse."

"Prince Bai is strong and untainted," another minister chimed in. "Name him heir and calm the unrest before it spreads like a plague."

The eldest among them, Minister Lao, stepped forward with a calm expression. "Great emperor, think of your realm in these fragile times. Is a cursed prince truly the right choice?"

The emperor's face was like carved stone as he raised a hand for silence. "My decision stands—only Cheng do I trust with the future of this realm."

With deep bows hiding their simmering anger, the ministers retreated into heated debate. The emperor sagged in his throne, his strength fading. "This court is dismissed!"

The ministers exited in unison, their complaints barely audible as they left. Only Cheng and Minister Lao remained.

"Your Highness, I fear dark days lie ahead for the realm," Lao murmured. "Keep your allies close and trust no pretty words. Danger can come disguised as a friend."

Bowing low, Lao took his leave, his shuffling footsteps echoing down the empty halls. Alone at last, Cheng felt the tension on his heart heavier than any crown; he knew the true trials were only just beginning.

That night, Cheng slept in restless meditation, his mind and body unable to find peace.