2 Lost Mask

She didn't entirely lie when she told him that her second brother had taught her a few things. He was the one who had given her the books on medicine. A gift bestowed by the prince's father, his majesty, the king. So technically. He had flamed her interest. It didn't take being a healer cultivator to be able to administrate medicine. She just couldn't concoct the pills herself or able to spiritually heal someone.

Her fingers were swift. Her thumb pressed down on the centre of his forehead. Her freehand pushed at his sternum. Sealing his heart. Swift and efficient. Ying Yue wasted no time. Only when she had finished sealing his other pressure points, a spider pinch to his spine, paralysing his body. Using her hairpin to create cuts to mask the true technique used.

Pressing the pin into his back, a facade of locking his body, did she wake him back up. She smiled when he blinked twice. Glancing at her.

"The poison has been stabilized and I have locked your body. Your guards can now safely move you without speeding up the spread of poison."

Jiang Ying Yue called for the guards to enter. Standing to the side. They all rushed in. Eyes going wide seeing their prince bleeding and immobile. All but one sword was drawn. Glinting as they approached her. Preventing an eye roll. She faced the one man without a sword in hand. His second trusted guard.

"I can only keep him sealed for a short period of time. Take him now and find a doctor."

"Weapons down," Feng Mo Chen commanded through tight lips. "Fei Hong. Take Jiang Ying Yue back to her guards and make sure she gets home safely."

"Yes, your highness." Fei Hong made his way towards Jiang Ying Yue. Standing behind her as he commanded the other guards to take the Prince. As they reached down to lift him up.

"Wait," Jiang Ying Yue stepped forward. "If that hairpin gets dislodge. You will cause all my blocks to break and the poison will seep into his heart."

All turned towards Fei Hong.

"You five will head upwards. If there are any remaining lurkers, they will follow you. Especially if one of you is disguised and carried as the prince. You two will take the prince through the back and out by the waterways. Keep an eye out for the water creatures. They will smell his blood a mile away. When the pirates flee with the first lot. I will take Jiang Ying Yue away."

Ying Yue kept quiet as the rest turned to the prince who merely gave his consent. Everyone moved into position. The first group left. Both Ying Yue and Fei Hong listened as they fled from the boat. The pirates shout of retreat promptly followed as they too left.

Fei Hong nodded to the prince and the two guards. Taking the door guards with them as they escaped through the back. Ying Yue watched her guards face. His eyes stared ahead as he tracked his prince's moves. Creases formed between his eyebrows. She wanted to ask what happened but smartly remained quiet.

The second the creases smoothed out. Fei Hong gave her a quick look before he grabbed her arm and sped from the boat. The heat from the fire was hotter than before. Ying Yue grabbed his wrist as he came to a sudden halt. The fire has made it's way down. They had moments before the entire ship will sink. Steering left. He kicked the wooden crates out the way. Pulling Ying Yue through the window and back down into the water.

They would be able to get to land quicker if she swam herself. But as far as everyone else knew. Her talent laid only on playing music, preparing tea, and now a little medicine.

Stumbling onto land. Making sure to trip a few times. Ying Yue turned behind her to see half of the boat missing. In the distance. She could hear the sounds of people emerging from deep beyond the forest. Drawn in by the big billows of smoke.

With no warning, Ying Yue was pulled into the forest. The same place she had first entered. Only when they were no longer in sight. Fei Hong dropped her arm. Glancing about for what she could only assume would be her guards.

"I hope they are okay," she broke the silence.

Fei Hong grunted.

"Let's get you home."

She nodded. Knowing full well that her guards weren't here and were probably on their way back home after picking up a certain rare herb deep in the waters. What caused her hesitation. Was the fact she would have to come back to fetch for her mask. No matter what excuse she could come up with. Fei Hong was adamant from getting her from where they are now and straight to her home. No stops or detours.

It was commendable but also frustrating.

She was tempted to say she needed to go to the bathroom. But felt that was too unladylike.

By the time they reached the main road. Feng Hong abruptly turned. Gave her a once over. Before pulling her into his embrace. Her stomach dropped as they propelled into the air. The wind caused tears to gather on her lower eyelashes. Her lips dried out. Her fingers twisted into his shirt. Clinging on. There was only so much trust she had for this man.

What would have taken her half a day on foot, was mere minutes. Jing Yue could see the bustling streets of the inner city. Vendors shouting towards passerbys. The scent of fish clung to the air. Children paused in their games to point towards the pair. Women giggled behind fans. Whispering amongst themselves.

Just at the last turn of the street before they hit the forest leading towards the other docks. Her home.

The drop was just as bad as the ascent. She could feel her stomach rising to her throat. It took all her concentration to swallow her breakfast down. With a dizzy head. Her feet landed softly on the gravel pathway. The great doors of her courtyard loomed before her.

"Tha---"

Jiang Ying Yue watched as Fei Hong leapt into the air before she could properly thank him. She scoffed. Turning to walk into the Generals courtyard. Muttering to herself. "Good chat."

The guard took one look at her. Opening the door. As his companion raced inside. She didn't even need to call out for her second brother. His unkempt hair was the first thing she saw before his hands grasped her shoulders. Green eyes assessing her. She brushed him aside. There were more important things to do besides mothering her. She needs her mask back.