A Love Written In The Stars

Xiao's heart broke as she realized the truth: Prince Yizong would never be hers.

———

Xiao lay awake, unable to sleep, her mind troubled by thoughts of Prince Yizong. Learning he was engaged to a noblewoman from a powerful family had saddened her deeply.

She imagined Yizong smiling beside his bride on their wedding day, his eyes only for her, spending his life with someone chosen for him—not out of love, but out of duty to the kingdom.

Did he not feel even a little of what she had felt that night? she wondered.

She thought of him, day after day, living in a political marriage, bound to someone he might not truly care for. Her mind went back to the lantern festival, when Yizong had shared with her his struggle—how he wanted to find his own path, even while fulfilling his duties as a prince.

Remembering his words gave Xiao a new idea. Perhaps, if she could be brave enough, she might offer Yizong a different kind of life—a marriage built on companionship, not just duty. He wouldn't have to be trapped in a cold, formal relationship.

As the first light of morning entered her room, Xiao got dressed, determined to tell Yizong how she felt. Hopefully he would see her as someone he could be with.

She asked Shufang to find out where Yizong would be that day. Shufang returned with a smile and said, "His Highness is practicing archery this morning."

Upon hearing this, she quickly got ready.

When xiao arrived, she saw Yizong at the edge of the training field. Even from a distance, his form exuded precision and power, sending arrow after arrow, each striking center-ring. His form showed skill and control, focusing on true mastery rather than just putting on a show. A bow suited him well - an instrument wielding force yet favoring finesse.

Quietly, Xiao moved closer, captivated by the way he moved so smoothly. He was so focused that he didn't notice her until he released his final arrow.

Yizong turned, raising his eyebrows in surprise when he saw her watching.

Breathing in deeply, Xiao stepped closer, her heart beating wildly as he greeted her warmly. "Your aim is incredible, Prince Yizong. Every arrow goes straight to the center."

He gave a quick smile. "You're too kind, Lady Xiao." But his smile faded as he noticed the look in her eyes. "I didn't expect to see you here. You haven't come all this way just to talk about archery, have you? Though, if you'd like to learn, I'd be happy to teach you."

Xiao seized the opportunity. "I've watched the royal trials many times, admiring the skill of the warriors. To hold a weapon and shoot with your accuracy—it has its own charm." She looked him directly in the eyes. "Maybe a short lesson now would help me."

He smiled softly. "Then I'd be honored to teach you, Lady Xiao." Setting aside his bow, Yizong gestured toward the range. "Come, let's begin. I'll show you the stance and grip first, then breathing and release. With practice, hitting the target will come naturally."

Xiao followed him, her heart fluttering as she prepared to hold the weapon he used with such skill. Up close, she noticed faint scars on his rough fingers—a sign of the years he'd spent perfecting his craft.

"Stand here," Yizong instructed, "with your feet shoulder-width apart. Hold the handle like this. Chin up, chest out, keep your back straight. Breathe in...and out. Now, nock your arrow."

Under his careful gaze, Xiao placed the arrow on the string. As she pulled it back, the feathers brushed her cheek, and she bit her lip in concentration. She felt a thrill having Yizong so near, his hands gently guiding her stance.

"When you're ready, let go," he said softly.

She released, and the arrow flew off to the side, missing the target. But Yizong smiled encouragingly. "For a first try, that was good. Try again—you'll hit the mark soon." His words helped her focus, and she nodded.

Preparing for another shot, Xiao's pulse quickened as Yizong stepped even closer, wrapping his arms around her to adjust her grip and posture with gentle touches.

"Stand still now, breathe with me," he said close to her ear. Their breaths fell into the same rhythm, their chests rising and falling together. Through the thin silk of her dress, She felt him close behind her, his warm breath near her ear giving her chills all over.

Trying to keep her composure despite her quickening heart, Xiao listened carefully to his guidance and followed the small adjustments of his hands on hers. At his signal, she released the arrow, watching it fly and land solidly in the target's outer ring.

"Well done, Lady Xiao!" Yizong praised, leaning back to see her shy smile. But he didn't pull away entirely, and Xiao took a moment to glance at his features. Then Yizong stepped back, looking at her progress with the pride of a teacher.

Xiao prepared herself again, aware that these lessons—and their brief moments together—were coming to an end all too soon.

"One last shot," he encouraged. "Breathe in calmly, breathe out slowly. Feel the bow in your hand. When you're ready, let go."

She took a deep breath as he instructed, focusing on the arrow balanced between her fingers.

Then, with her exhale, she let the arrow fly. It sailed through the air and struck the center of the target with a strong thud.

Xiao gasped, turning to Yizong with a beaming smile. "I did it!"

Yizong smiled, clearly pleased. "With dedication, any skill can be learned. You have a natural talent, my lady, and it makes me proud to see you succeed so quickly."

Yizong moved back to her side, gently adjusting her fingers. "Now you'll take this shot on your own," he said, his hand brushing against hers. Looking up at his face, now close to hers, Xiao whispered, "I'm in love with you."

Yizong looked down, the truth of her confession visible in her eyes. Slowly, he took a step back. His expression was kind, but his gaze held a question that she understood.

Xiao glanced up at him, her eyes hopeful and full of affection.

"What I say cannot be taken back, but keeping quiet would hurt more. Prince Yizong, I've grown to care deeply for you these past months. I often think about when we met at the lantern festival and all our conversations. You bring happiness and light to my life."

Yizong looked at her, considering his response with care "Lady Xiao, your feelings mean a lot to me. But, for propriety's sake, we must remain only friends."

Xiao moved a little closer. "Prince Yizong, please listen. I see you as more than a friend." She felt her cheeks flush, but she continued. "Every smile and glance between us suggests a bond even deeper. I'm not asking for grand gestures, just your heart. I hope you might see me as a partner by your side in all that's ahead."

Her chest tightened as she waited for his reply. Silence stretched between them, full of things unsaid. Finally, Yizong replied gently, "Lady Xiao, you honor me deeply, and I treasure your loyalty more than I can say. But I cannot return your love. My heart belongs to another."

Seeing the sadness on her face, he added, "I don't wish to hurt you. You're like family to me. But my heart belongs only to Princess Xin Yi."

Xiao nodded slowly, fighting back tears. "I understand… thank you for your honesty and kindness, Prince Yizong. You have always been good to me. I hope you and Xin Yi find happiness together."

Yizong softly tapped her shoulder. "And I hope that the light in your heart leads you to someone who will love you as you deserve. You have so much love to give, Xiao."

Xiao bowed deeply to him one last time. As she turned to leave, her calm expression began to break, each step feeling heavier than the last. Her eyes stung, though no tears fell. She clenched her hands tightly, as if to keep her breaking heart from spilling out. She didn't look back, knowing it would undo her completely.

Lost in her sadness, Xiao stumbled from the garden, not noticing where she was going, and suddenly bumped into Yìzé, who was rushing the other way.

"Lady Xiao, forgive me—are you all right?" Yìzé gently held her arms. Seeing the sadness on her pale face, his concern deepened. "Come, sit with me a while. I promise things will feel less bleak."

Without resisting, Xiao let herself be led to a bench tucked behind plum trees just beginning to bloom with sweet-smelling flowers. Only then did she notice the look on Yìzé's eyes, and her heart sank. "You...saw everything, didn't you?"

Yìzé nodded sadly. "I came looking for Prince Cheng and witnessed... most of it. I'm sorry. But take heart—Prince Yizong clearly cares for you. In time, this pain will fade, and—"

"Please," Xiao whispered, her voice breaking. "I don't want to speak of it."

She looked at a small pond where red fish swam freely. "Let the tears come. Better to let the heart empty than to let it bleed inside."

Xiao clung to Yìzé's sleeve, her body shaking as she finally let her sobs out. Yìzé held her, tapping her shoulder lightly.

Prince Xuan's chamber

Xuan sat in his workroom, carefully mixing medicinal herbs according to an old recipe. The strong scent of ginseng and ginger filled the air as he focused on grinding licorice root, finding the rhythm calming.

Just then, there was a knock at the door. "Come in," Xuan called.

The door opened, and his bodyguard, Deming, entered, bowing respectfully. "Forgive the interruption, my prince, but I have news. While on patrol, I heard that Princess Chàn Juán visited the palace of recent. I thought you should know right away."

"Princess Chàn Juán, you say?" he asked, taken aback by the news.

"Yes, your highness"

Xuan's brow creased in thought. Chàn Juán wasn't one to visit without reason. The fact that she had come quietly, without any prior announcement, meant it was important.

"Are you certain of this?" Xuan asked. "Princess Chàn Juán came herself, without any word beforehand?"

"Yes, my prince," she replied confidently. "The servants seemed certain that she arrived unannounced, with only a small escort."

Xuan frowned, wondering why Princess Chàn Juán would come without notice. Could her engagement to Cheng be behind her sudden visit?

"You did well to tell me, Deming."

She bowed again at the prince's praise.

Xuan returned to his work, stirring ginger into boiling water as fragrant steam rose. He continued grinding fennel seeds thoughtfully, while Deming stood watch by the door.

He could hardly believe it—Chàn Juán was here in the palace. He thought back to the beautiful young princess he once knew, whose charm captivated everyone around her. Did she still have that same allure? He couldn't help but wonder.

Memories of the time they had spent together rushed back. He remembered confessing his love to her when they were younger and wondered if she remembered too. Would she still feel a connection to him, or had the years changed everything?

Lost in thought, he debated whether he should visit her, worried that it might give the wrong impression. After much inner struggle, he decided to greet her simply as a friend, setting aside his feelings for the sake of respect and friendship.