114 The Choice

Two years later after Hue Houa's birth, Hli Ja and Pao Hua had already established many connections in the region. Life was good for them, peaceful even. The palace had stopped their search for her as well.

During one of their usual stops in town, Pao Hua went on his normal route, stocking up on food and supplies. They parked their carriage on the outskirts of town, so Pao Hua could return quickly while Hli Ja washed their clothes, hanging them up to dry.

Although, every now and then, Hli Ja will see something that would remind her of Mua Kong, Pa Chee, and Chue Yi. The sadness that she had pushed to the bottom of her heart crept up and took hold over her mind. She doubted Mua Kong, wondering if what Pa Chee said was true.

Was he already married? Was that the reason he never formally announced their relationship to the palace? But no matter how lost she felt at times, her clingy son's iron grip pulled her back to reality.