13 Firsts

Inside the chamber where the crystal-like water flows, a young man was left gawking at the young lady. "Please do pardon my harsh words a while ago, my lady. I didn't expect the so-called monster of this palace to be so beautiful. It never came to me that you were the one whom they call a witch. Please, allow me to formally introduce myself. My name is ...". As the young man was about to remove his mask and introduce himself, Zhen Mei suddenly stopped him. "Stop! I do not wish to know your name nor your face". "Well, that hurts a bit my lady", the young man replied hurtfully. "I'm doing this for our own good", the young lady replied. "Why are you giving it to me so easily? By chance, did you fall for me? I heard you never gave it to anyone", the young man smirked and teased. Hearing the young man's statement, Zhen Mei laughed at his confidence. "Are you the type of person whom they call a cassanova? I have read that people like you are quite dangerous".

"That's quite harsh to call me a cassanova but does that mean that you're falling for my words?", the young man chuckled. "You asked me why I never gave it before? Mr. Apple, you're the first intruder who was able to meet me. Also, you are my first uninvited visitor from the outside, so think of it as a kind of prize for meeting me and for telling me stories about the outside world". "Stories? I have never told you one yet, my lady". The young girl chuckled. "You will. We do have a bit of time in our hands before the potion will be ready", Zhen Mei answered. "My Lady, may I ask how long will it take you to create the potion, and aren't you going to ask for whom is it for?", the young man asked. "Why? Am I about to save a dangerous person, Mr. Apple?". The young man let out a soft chuckle. "No. You'll be saving my little brother. You don't know how much thankful I am". "A day. Luckily tonight is a full moon, they are more active". "They?", the young man thought to himself. " Alright then! I was wondering when will you turn around. I need to get out of the water and wear some clothing". The young man blushed and immediately turned away from the direction of the lady. Seeing the young man's reaction, Zhen Mei smiled.

The lady went out of the water, put on her robe, and dipped her hand into the water. "You might want to turn around and see the process". The young man turned around and saw the water glowed. "Can you see them?", she asked. "uhh.. the glowing water?", he answered in confusion. "Hmm... Nope". The young lady giggled and went to the direction of the young man. Zhen Mei covered his eyes with her palms and when the lady removed them, the young man's eyes were filled with awe. Abundant life energy emanated from the center of the waterfall and wisps like creatures flew and played on the water. "So beautiful. What are they?", the young man asked. "Spirits of Gaia is what they call themselves. So shall we start, Mr. Apple?".

The young girl slowly opened her eyes and saw an unfamiliar beautifully decorated ceiling. She looked around and found herself in a fancy room. Light and fresh air entered from the two big windows across her bed. Where am I? Everything's in a haze. Voices. I can hear voices. "Is she alright, doctor?". "Yes, crown prince. She's just having her period that's why her constitution is a bit weak. She needs to rest and she'll be good in no time". "I see. Thank you so much, doctor". "I'll be leaving first then, crown prince". How shameful to let myself faint. Incoming footsteps? Is it the crown prince? I have to pretend to be asleep. "Why did you not tell me that you are on your period? Were you afraid that I might force you to carry my child?", the prince asked as he brushed his fingers through the young lady's pale face. Suddenly the crown prince leaned and gently kissed Zhen Mei on the lips. Surprised by the crown prince's action, her cheeks suddenly flushed. Not knowing how to react, Zhen Mei continued to pretend to be asleep. "What did just happen? HUH? Is he still in there? Why is he still not leaving? Should I take a peek? No. He might see me. Please leave. Please leave", the young girl thought to herself. The crown prince let out a soft chuckle and left the room.

Embarrassed by the action of the Crown Prince, Zhen Mei suddenly stood up from her bed. With her hands placed on her face and still in a bewildered state, she silently whispered to herself, " MY FIRST KISS! Is he crazy!? What's wrong with him?". Suddenly a strong breeze carrying some petals entered the windows of her room. "Flower petals? So beautiful!". She ran towards the window and was amazed with the scenery. The place where she is staying is located on higher ground and from her window, trees in full bloom and ponds with Water Lilies can be seen. Suddenly, three girls entered her room and bowed to her. "We're glad it is to your liking, my lady! Please forgive our rudeness. and allow us to introduce ourselves.