Star's friend

Yue looked concernedly at the bread in her hands and on the plate. Her face was facing Xingchen. "It's delicious, don't throw it away," she said.

"Then tell me."

For a moment, Yue was silent. Her head was scheming words. "You fainted, so I came to see you. Then, suddenly there was a white light. Next, I don't know."

Xingchen folded his arms in front of his chest. His body stood up straight, then walked around Yue. White light? What does the sun mean? However, now the sky was cloudy. "Here, if you lie, your life will be the price," he said

"Why, why is that?" asked Yue.

Xingchen bowed in front of Yue. His dark eyes looked at the white-haired girl. "It's always been like that."

"Then, you better head home soon. This place is dangerous," Xingchen said again.

Yue's face lifted, staring right at the pair of dark irises. "Why are you here if this place is dangerous?" she asked.

"There is no other place," Xingchen replied, then sat back down by the window. Talking to the girl was no different from talking to a child. Besides, if she was indeed a princess, how did she learn to not know how to eat properly?

Could that girl be an abandoned child?

Xingchen turned around. The white light she spoke made him notice the white hair.

On the other side, Yue was aware of being watched by someone. She hastened to eat so she could leave as soon as possible. Yue took a bite of the bread and chewed it hurriedly. Finally, she choked.

Xingchen sighed. His hands reached for bottles and glasses. He walked towards Yue while pouring water into the glass. "Those buns won't run away," Xingchen muttered as he placed the glass in front of Yue.

While Yue was drinking, Xingchen paid attention to the details of that snow-white face. In fairy tales, this girl would be the goddess everyone liked. However, her red eyes make her called a devil. The old people said that if you look into the eyes of a devil, the soul will be taken by the devil.

"Aren't you afraid to see me?" Yue asked.

"You said you weren't a ghost yourself. So why am I afraid?"

Yue nodded. "So, if I were a ghost you'd be scared, right?"

Xingchen laughed softly. "I don't know. There doesn't seem to be any ghost-eating meat buns," he replied.

That night, they chatted cheerfully. Xingchen talked about small things and Yue made it sound interesting because of her response. They were so engrossed that they didn't realize the dawn was approaching.

Yue yawned, her eyes turning glazed. Her hands fumbled on the floor for a warm bed. When she felt fit into an area, Yue lay down, then fell asleep.

Xingchen put his hands on his hips looking at the girl sleeping on the cold floor. It hadn't been long since she lay down and she had fallen asleep.

For some time, Xingchen stood still while looking at Yue. Somehow the life she lived until she could sleep on the cold floor. Xingchen walked towards the window. His back was against the frame. He looked up. The stars have returned to their place, but the moon has not yet come.

⭑⭑⭑

The sun is rising from the eastern horizon. The busyness of the palace had started as well as Eunuch Feng who walked over with a tray of drinks in his hand. A faint smile complemented his wrinkled face. His steps swayed into the courtyard where the second prince lived. Today was different because the Prince was no longer living alone there.

Eunuch Feng knocked on the door, then greeted, "Prince, it's me. Are you awake?"

Eunuch Feng waited for an answer with a smile on his lips. However, after a quarter of an hour had passed, Eunuch Feng's expression changed. Worried that something might happen, he opened the door and looked in all directions.

"Prince! Where are you?"

Eunuch Feng spun around in all directions carrying a tray.

"I'm here."

Behind Eunuch Feng's back, Xingchen stood up. He wears a white hanfu and puts his hands behind his body.

Eunuch Feng turned around. His face smiled again. "Prince, did you sleep well?" he asked.

"You're asking like I don't know how to sleep well," Xingchen replied as he walked to the window. His right hand went out the window so that it hit the water droplets.

"I brought tea for you," said Eunuch Feng.

Xingchen's face slightly turned back. "It's like for two people." He said so when he saw the glass and teapot in Eunuch Feng's hands.

"I hope you enjoy meeting new people."

Xingchen looked away. His gaze was deep into the sky filled with clouds. There was a faint sound of thunder.

"Serve well."

⭑⭑⭑

Two servants served various plates full of food. The smell and appearance of the food caught Yue's attention. Under her red hood, she counted the food on the table.

"Eat."

Yue looked up. A man closed his eyes while sipping tea in a cup.

"Do I have to eat all of it?" she asked.

Without opening her eyes, Xingchen replied, "Spend it all so you have the energy to meet other family members."

"Why meet with other family members?"

Xingchen opened his eyes. The question is strange. According to custom, after marriage, the bride needs to greet her husband's family. However, it wasn't that strange since the girl's circumstances were different. Xingchen put down his cup. He glanced at Yue who had removed her hood.

"There's the Queen Mother, the Emperor, the Empress, the Crown Prince, and the sons and daughters of the concubine. They sit in different places. Make sure you speak sparingly," he told her.

"Why can't I talk too much?"

"In the palace, the mouth can be both a weapon and a weakness." His voice grew colder and deeper.

Yue nodded quickly.

Then, Xingchen asked, "What's your name?'

"Yue."

A few moments later, Xingchen smiled slightly.