A Love Written In The Stars

"How much longer could I control it before it consumed me?"

———

Prince Cheng leaned over the washbasin in his private chambers, cupping cool water in his hands and splashing it onto his flushed face. As the liquid dripped down his cheeks, he gazed heavily at his reflection in frustration.

The curse is becoming harder to control, he thought, recalling the unsettling event from that morning during an important ritual.

Flashback:

Under the blazing sun at the open-air ritual grounds, Cheng felt the dark spirit rising ominously within him. As the official began the solemn rites, reciting ancient verses to honor their ancestors, Cheng's inner turmoil surged into a volatile wave.

Word of the crown prince's troubling incident spread like wildfire. Groups of court officials and eunuchs gathered, engaging in hushed yet animated discussions. "Did you see how he lost control?" one murmured. "It's surely a sign the curse is getting worse. How can he rule if he can't even manage his own demons?" another added grimly. Their gossip carried an undercurrent of fear; Cheng's current position as the crown prince made his struggles all the more alarming. If even royalty could be overtaken by such dangerous magic, what fate awaited the empire?

More troubling discussions rose among the gathered crowd as Cheng was led away to recover. Just as the tense atmosphere threatened to spiral further, a commanding voice cut through the air.

"Silence!"

The emperor rose from his seat at the head of the ritual grounds, fixing the murmuring assembly with an icy glare. Instantly, all noise faded into silence before his regal presence.

"I will not allow such disturbing talk to distract from these sacred rites. My son's condition, though concerning, is a private matter that does not invite improper speculation. We are here today to honor our ancestors, not to spread rumors. Let us continue the ceremony with the solemnity it deserves."

With that final decree, the emperor signaled for the rituals to proceed once more. The crowd settled back into respectful silence, quelling their fears under the emperor's forceful reprimand.

Against the expectant stares of the crowd, Cheng emerged once more. Though pale and drawn, his jaw was set with firm as he silently took his place again.

As the solemn rites continued, Cheng closed his eyes and sank deep into meditation, focusing past the roar of the turbulent spirit within him. Sweat dripped down his brows from the strain but slowly, bit by bit, he wrestled his inner demon back under control.

Somehow, he persevered through the lengthy rituals with iron discipline, suppressing each surge of chaotic energy that threatened to escape. By the time the final gongs sounded to mark the ceremony's end, his clothes were soaked through and beads of sweat dotted his ashen face.

Despite feeling on the verge of collapse, the crown prince maintained his regal bearing to the last breathless note.

When at last the rituals concluded without further incident, relieved smiles broke out among the attendees. Cheng had conquered the curse's violent uprising, demonstrating a strength of spirit that commanded newfound respect.

Cheng's Pov:

Back in my chambers, I sank onto the bed, my body trembling with exhaustion. I closed my eyes, focusing on my breath, letting it flow in and out like a gentle tide. I envisioned a calm lake, its surface undisturbed, reflecting the sky above. With each breath, I imagined the dark spirit within me rising and settling, each ripple fading into stillness.

When at last I opened my eyes, a semblance of calmness returned. The curse had pushed me to my limits today, yet somehow, I had regained control. I had faced its chaos and emerged victorious, my duty guiding me through the storm. My body felt drained, but my mind remained strong, refusing to yield to despair.

That evening:

In the throne room, I knelt before my father, feeling the pressure of his gaze like a shadow over me. When I looked up, his face was hard to read, hiding what he really thought. "The curse showed itself in public," he said flatly. "Rumors will spread."

I sighed, realizing what this meant. "They will say I am unfit to rule."

"But we cannot worry about rumors." He looked off into the distance, his mind elsewhere. "You know your duty, my son. For the good of the people, it is time to accept the marriage proposal."

The burden of responsibility pressed down on me. I thought about the peasants who needed a strong leader, the nobles who wanted power, and my people caught in the struggle for control. If a marriage could bring stability, what choice did I have?

Still, the idea of giving up my freedom felt wrong. The empire or my own life— which mattered more? I looked my father in the eye, knowing what I had to say.

"I expect an answer when we speak next," he said, his tone firm.

With a grateful bow, I left, my mind filled with uncertainty, the sense of expectation heavy on my shoulders as I walked away.