Weak Princess

Shoushan put down his chopsticks after eating a few meals when he noticed how hungry the princess was. Since he is used to eating little food during the war, it is not a bring problem with him. But knowing that the princess is used to luxury and abundant food in the palace, he felt that she needed more food.

Princess Mei noticed the man in front of her put down his chopsticks. She raised her eyebrow and looked at him.

"Are you done?"

"Yes, I am full"

She looked at his appearance intently. He looked like he went through a difficult battle before appearing to her. His hair is a mess and his eyes showed tiredness.

"I still can't remember everything that happened. But I can sense that you helped me a lot. Now, I want you to rest for the whole day. I will explain everything to you later tonight. Then, we will leave tomorrow morning"

Shoushan wanted to argue with her but he received a deadly glare from her. So, he decided to just follow her orders. Besides, he really needed some sleep.

When Shoushan laid down on his bed, he can't stop himself from recalling what happened this past week. Now that it is over, even he doubted if everything that happened were real.

Shoushan wakes up later that evening. The surrounding is already dark. He slowly stands up and wore his robe. He moved to his door and slowly opened it. A cloudless night greeted him. He looked around the small courtyard in front of him. The bedchamber next to his is also quiet. The room is filled with candles and he saw the silhouette of the woman inside. She is pacing back and forth. Remembering what he saw her ordeal, he felt something inside of him. He wanted to protect her. He wanted to make sure that whatever her secret is, no one will know about it. He wanted to make sure that she still enjoys the freedom she had right now.

He then saw Princess Mei walked out of her room. She also noticed him. At first, they just looked at each other. Both of them knew that what happened the past week made them closer to each other. Princess Mei signaled for him to come to her. Shoushan started to walk towards her. She enters her bedchamber first before Shoushan followed her inside. Once inside, he noticed that the table is already set. A lot of food is served. She already seated. Shoushan took his seat opposite to him.

They started to eat in silence. Both are not sure how to start a conversation. Shoushan looked at her. He noticed that she looked better now. Her skin glowed. Her movement is sharp and full of energy. Then, she noticed that he is looking at her.

"Is there something wrong?" she asked.

"Nothing. It is good that you are now well,"

It took a few minutes before Princess Mei said something.

"Yes, after the 7-day ordeal I will be stronger than before. And my energy is replenished." She answered him without looking at him. She sensed that he suddenly stopped eating. When she looked up, she saw him staring at her with tenderness and understanding.

"You don't have to tell me anything,"

Princess Mei felt something sharp hit her heart. She interpreted his words as if he is telling her that he doesn't care what was happening to her. She took deep breaths before continuing.

"I understand. But for the sake of your help, I have to tell you what I am. I am not a normal person. I have a strength that no normal man can have. Every year, my physical strength would increase. Aside from my physical strength, I also have special spiritual power. With these reasons, my father only allows people he trusted to be by my side. For the benefit of the whole kingdom."

Shoushan just listens to her attentively. Everything she told him so far, he already figured it out. Though he is not sure yet how she became like that. If she is indeed the king's daughter. And if her other siblings know about her secret or not. As if reading his thoughts, she added.

"No one in my imperial family knew about my secret except my father. And then, Chuntao and now, you."

The rest of the meal ended quietly. Shoushan also left the princess' bedchamber quietly as to allow her to take a rest. Shoushan imagined the younger Princess Mei during her ordeal. It must be very hard on her with only her maidservant on her side. Princess Mei repeatedly told him how strong she was but for him, she is a weak and lonely princess. Someone who has to rely on other people to survive. When he reached his bedchamber, he saw the small medicine bottle that Chuntao gave him. He picked it up, opened it, and smell it. He was stunned. He knew that smell. He's been in the battlefield most of his life. He tilted the bottle slightly to flow some liquid on his palm and his suspicions were confirmed when he saw the red liquid on his hand.