6 Chapter 6: The Big Brother

"Wait! No! Stop!" the little girl shouted, pushing the sword away from Kanna's neck. "Big sis!!!" she cried, seeing blood from Kanna's smooth skin.

Her big brother ascended the stairs. He frowned at the sight of the two women on the table.

"Big brother... she is not the bad guy..." Xiaoni stood and blocked Kanna from her brother. Sweat formed in her forehead and her feet were trembling. "She... she helped me..." Her voice was shaking. No matter how she wanted her brother, it was obvious that she was scared.

"I saw her on the road, crying." Kanna spoke. She can't possibly let this small girl defend her. "I only took her here to eat since she was hungry." The girl nodded in agreement, but the brother looked unconvinced.

"I will have to verify it first. For now, we'll have to detain you." The man briefly said and looked at his sister, "Xiaoni, get in the carriage." Xiaoni repeatedly said "Big sis is not a bad lady." as men pulled her out of the restaurant.

Kanna still did not stand. She contemplated wether she would defend herself now or let them verify it. If she refused to go with them, she would fall into deeper accusations.

"Are you planning on running away?" The man's voice was angry, and a dose mockery mixed in it for sure.

Kanna narrowed her eyes on him. " That's what criminals do." She stood, "Don't hold me, I know how to walk." She pushed the guards away. Her secret guard on the other table stood, about to attempt an attack. Kanna waved him off with her hands. This issue would get bigger if they were to make a fight here. If possible, she wanted this to end quickly. Kanna pulled a wet napkin and wiped the cut on her neck before walking out of the restaurant. All eyes were on them... but no one spoke a word, nor move even an inch.

"There are no more carriages for you. Walk behind." Xiaonis big brother pointed at the foot soldiers. Kanna grimaced, she have been walking since dawn. If not for the child, she would have been at the temple right now, enjoying a warm fragrant bath.

"How about you lend me a horse?" She suggested, the man raised his brows at her. "And give you a higher chance to escape?"

Kanna shrugged, "I guess you and your men aren't capable enough to chase a girl on a horse."

Xiaoni poked her head out of the carriage's window. "Or she can ride with me."

"No." Her brother disagreed.

"But she carried me on her back when I got tired. Her feet must be hurting." Xiaoni's voice was caring and begging.

But she lied. Kanna never carried her on her back. Though she was tired, she only asked for a break.

Her brother looked back at Kanna, and on her feet. He grumped.

"Moru, give her a horse." He said and mounted his own black horse. "A weak one." He added.

Kanna was thankful. At least she wouldn't walk.

Xiaoni smiled and winked at Kanna. Who knew this innocent looking girl was a trickster.

Kanna mounted the horse they gave her. She nodded at her bodyguard on the terrace of the restaurant. He would probably send a message to Lady Leisha and follow her later.

**

The ride was long. Kanna guessed they really weren't from the border city. The guard's armors weren't wearing any family crest. She had no idea what family she involved herself in. For sure Lady Leisha would scold her for not being careful and smart.

She didn't clearly know where they were going, but she knew they were entering a rural place.

"Where are we going?" Kanna asked a guard beside her.

"At the master's vacation manor." He simply answerd.

"Say... what's your master's name?" Kanna pressed. She had to know the place she's effortlessly walking in.

She expected an answer, even if it was a simple one. Unfortunately, the man ignored her. They must have a rule of silence.

She can't blame them though. When she was a princess, travelling, the guards were ordered not to expose the identity of the one they were protecting.

They went deeper into a forest. She could not quite quess why a no le family would choose to build their manor in a deep forest.

She saw a manor ahead, hidden among tall bamboo trees. There were maids on the entrance. One particular lady was pale and worry was obvious in her pale skin and dark bags under her eyes.

"Your highness!!Your highness!!" She ran to the girl and embraced her, tears ran down her wrinkled face. "Thank goodness you're alright!"

"Nanny Lou! I missed you..." Xiaoni cried too, holding the old lady tight.

Everyone in the manor was either crying or smiling out of relief. But Kanna was the only one who was speechless. Her world seemed to stop at that moment.

She let the words sink in her mind. "Your highness?" She whispered. They are a royal family? She doubted her ears and listened again. And she heard it again, the kady and the maids gathering to her and crying out the title only meant for royalties.

Her teacher had discussed about Lin Empire before. The Lin royal family consisted of the Emperor, the emperor's brother named Kai, and Kai's younger sister, Xiaoning.

Xiaoni. Xiaoning.

Kanna paled at the realization she discovered. Kai was the most famous out of them. The royal general feared by all countries, even Airen.

"If possible, avoid the royal family at all cost." Lady Leisha's instruction rung in her ears. "Especially the 2nd prince, Kai. He visited Airen before and he saw you. He never forgets a face, Kanna. Don't underestimate the young general."

Kanna was bathing with sweat. Her face was ghastly. She finally looked at Xiaoni's big brother. And there he was, eyes looking back at her. The man smiled mockingly, he even chuckled as if Kanna's state was what he had expected the moment he saw her.

Realization hit Kanna. She looked around and the whole place was already surrounded with armored soldiers on horses.

She thought of her secret guard and a small glimpse of hope rose in her.... only to be crushed again.

A man struggled at the back line, Kanna recognized her secret bodyguard, already in the hands of the soldiers.

She swallowed.

She was supposed to lie low... to survive..

but here she was... like a fool who willingly walked in the lion's den.