Chapter 58 ~ The prince's torment

Hours slipped by as the palace maids labored in vain to soothe Prince Guo, whose agitation seemed to only worsen.

He prowled the confines of the chamber like a caged beast, his footsteps were unrelenting against the polished floor, while muttering fragmented, ominous phrases under his breath.

His eyes, restless and fever-bright, carried the haunted gleam of a man teetering on the edge of some unseen abyss.

"They ar...are coming, the shadows are coming again!"

Cheng tried to take his brother's hands reassuringly but Guo pulled away.

"No one is safe, it will destroy us all!" Guo wailed.

The maids' patience had long worn thin with every failed attempt. Their gentle gestures had done little to quell the prince's turmoil, leaving them grasping for any method that might soothe his restless spirit.

Cheng sank heavily into his chair, too drained to intervene further. He could only watch as the maids tirelessly struggled to pacify the prince. Beside him, Mei sat silently on the edge of the desk, her eyes fixed on the unfolding chaos.

Suddenly, Guo let out a piercing, anguished scream that shattered the already tense atmosphere of the room. In a frenzy, he began clawing at his face and arms, his nails leaving angry red streaks in their wake.

The sight froze everyone for a moment, but then Yizé and the maids, horrified, rushed forward. Then they tried to restrain him without causing further harm.

It was a chaotic struggle, filled with desperate shouts and movement.

At last, they managed to bind his hands gently but it did little to calm him.

Writhing on the floor, he kicked and thrashed in uncontrollable fear and panic.

Cheng knelt beside him and leaned in close. "Guo, you are safe here," his voice was calm and gentle. "No harm will come to you." But the prince gave no sign of hearing him. His eyes, wide and unfocused, stared past Cheng, trapped in some distant, nightmarish realm. The storm inside him seemed to shut out the world, leaving Cheng's words unheard.

"Do you not see? The darkness comes for me, it is in my soul!" He shrieked.

Cheng's heart splintered at the sight of Guo so consumed by torment that he reached out his hands slightly, but paused, unsure if any comfort he could offer would reach him.

Mei, who had been watching the scene, stepped forward, "Cheng, everyone—please, give me a moment alone with him."

"Mei, are you sure? He's—"

"I'll be fine."

Reluctantly, Cheng and the maids left the room, giving Mei and Guo some space. Mei knelt beside him and called out to him softly. "Prince Guo."

He pulled away from her touch, but Mei moved closer, not giving up. "Guo, I'm Mei—Meiying. Please, look at me. Whatever it is, you don't have to face it alone."

For a moment, it seemed her words might have reached him, but then his lips started to move. "Run... run... They won't stop until they've gotten us all. They're after... after us all..." His words trailed off into a frantic gasp.

"Do you want them to catch you? Don't stay here, run!"

"Guo, listen—" But suddenly, he jumped to his feet, grabbing her arms with surprising strength. "You have to listen! RUN!" he shouted, his voice shaking the air.

Startled by his outburst, Mei's Qi flared up instinctively, flowing out of her without warning.

Her eyes glowed with a strange light, and a soft, glowing energy moved into Guo's trembling body. His grip on Mei remained tight, and his body was completely still.

The room froze as the energy surrounded them, buzzing with an unusual sacred power.

Then, just as quickly as it started, the connection broke with a sudden, sharp release. Both Guo and Mei fell to the ground, and the energy vanished completely.

Cheng and the others, alerted by Guo's sudden outburst, rushed in but stopped, staring in shock at what they saw.

"What happened here?" a maid asked anxiously in a low voice.

Cheng moved closer to Mei and gently lifted her, glancing at Guo. He lay motionless, but he seemed calmer now, his breathing even and his panic seemingly extinguished.

Mei's eyes slowly opened, her lashes fluttering as she tried to focus. She let out a soft groan and rubbed her temple. When she looked up, her eyes met Cheng's concerned gaze.

"Are you okay?"

"Mei, what happened?"

She blinked, disoriented, before her gaze shifted past him to Guo's unconscious form nearby. She tried to make sense of what was happening, adjusting herself in Cheng's arms in a confused expression.

"Why am I on the floor?"

"I was just there—with Guo... and now I'm here."

Her voice trailed off and her mind struggled to understand the moments that had slipped away.

Cheng exchanged a worried glance with Yizé and then placed a hand on her forehead. "You're burning up." Mei gently moved his hand away and sat up. "I feel fine, Cheng, don't worry. But why is Guo unconscious on the ground?"

A maid, emboldened by the silence, stepped forward to explain what they had seen.

"Lady Meiying, we don't know either. We heard a scream from—"

But Cheng gave her a small, silent signal. She stopped, understanding his unspoken message.

"Let's get you off the floor,"

He helped her to her feet, supporting her carefully, and guided her to a nearby chair, lowering her gently into it.

Turning to the others, Cheng spoke firmly, "Yizé, take the maids and move Prince Guo to that bed. Be careful with him."

The group moved to lift Guo's limp body.

Cheng returned to Mei's side and handed her a cup of water. "Here,"

"You must be exhausted. You've been awake all night."

Once he was sure she was comfortable, Cheng spoke to the maids. "You've done more than enough. Go and rest now—you deserve it."

The maids exchanged glances, their reluctance evident, but one by one, they bowed and quietly left the room. When the door clicked shut, the room fell silent again.

For a long moment, neither of them spoke. Cheng watched Mei closely, waiting for the questions he knew she would ask. Mei, still holding the cup, stared down into the water.

Then he stepped closer to her and checked her temperature again. This time, it was back to normal. "That's strange."

"What is?"

"You're back to normal. How do you feel now?"

"I feel fine, Cheng. I told you that already."

Cheng sat in his chair, looking at her. After a moment, he said, "You collapsed when you were alone with Guo. I think you need rest now. It's already morning, and you haven't slept."

Mei rubbed her temple and set the cup down on the ground. "I think you're right, I do feel a little tired."

"Then go and get some sleep."

Mei stood up and walked towards the door but stopped halfway. "You should do the same. You need a clear mind for your duties."

Cheng smiled slightly and nodded.

——

The young handmaid sank into a nervous curtsy as her trembling hands clutched at the edges of her dress. "Forgive me for intruding upon your solitude, my lady, but I bring... important news."

Lady Xia, absorbed in sampling fragrances from her extensive collection, paused mid-motion then with a dismissive wave of her hand, she sent the other attendants scurrying from the room. Her sharp gaze turned to Bao and arched a perfectly sculpted brow. "Well? Speak, girl."

Bao bowed her head low, "Your ladyship, it appears that Prince Guo has sought refuge with the Crown Prince in the western wing."

Lady Xia took a step closer, and her lips curled into a sly smile. "Has he now?"

"How curious that the cursed prince would entangle himself with such a... liability."

"Tell me exactly how Guo came to be with Cheng," she demanded.

"It seems Prince Guo disappeared from his quarters some weeks ago, my lady. No trace of him could be found within the palace walls. But just yesterday, one of the Crown Prince's maidservants stumbled upon him."

Bao hesitated for a while, she glanced upward before quickly returning to the floor. "They say he was raving about shadows and intruders, and then the Crown Prince kept him close since, hoping his presence might bring some peace to Prince Guo's troubled mind."

Lady Xia's expression shifted as she took in the news, her face giving nothing away. So, the poor wretch had been wandering untethered and wild all this time, and now Cheng had taken him in. A slow smile formed on her lips.

She walked over to her chair and sat down slowly, picking up a bottle to test another fragrance. "You've done well to bring me this. Keep watching them closely. Let me know if anything... else happens."

The handmaid bowed deeply. "As you wish, my lady." She stepped back carefully before turning and hurrying out of the room.

———Cheng's Study Chamber

Cheng's eyes were heavy with exhaustion as he sat at his desk, sifting through the endless stack of documents. His head dipped slightly, and he jolted upright, shifting in his chair to fight the pull of sleep. Yizé, standing a short distance away, watched him in silence.

After a few minutes, Cheng's head started to droop again, his tiredness overpowering his efforts to stay awake. Yizé finally approached. "Your Highness, perhaps you should take a short rest. You've been at this for hours."

But Cheng shook his head stubbornly. "I don't have time for sleep, Yizé. There's too much to handle today. I just need some tea—that'll keep me going."

Yizé hesitated but finally nodded. "I'll fetch it for you," he said, stepping out.

Cheng adjusted himself again, leaning back in his chair, but his body gave in. Before long, his breathing became calm, and his head dropped onto the desk as he drifted off to sleep.

When Mei entered the room, she paused at the sight of Cheng slumped over his work. A soft sigh escaped her lips as she stepped closer. She had told him to rest earlier, but of course, he hadn't listened. Now, here he was, finally giving in, though only because exhaustion had left him no choice.

Mei's elbows rested lightly on the desk while she observed him relaxed in peaceful sleep. A small smile appeared on her lips as she leaned closer, then she reached out and gently traced the arch of his eyebrow with her finger.

She tried to hold in a laugh when he didn't move, too asleep to notice her playful touch.

Cheng shifted a little, his brows wrinkling as if he might wake then mei quickly moved her hand to his hair and gently rubbed his head, her fingers moving through his dark strands, luring him back into sleep.

"You really do work too hard," her voice was barely audible.

At the door, Yizé returned with a tray of tea but stopped short at the scene before him. He watched in silence as Mei stayed close to Cheng, and a faint smile crossed Yizé's face before he stepped back, closing the door quietly to leave them undisturbed.

Unaware of the intrusion, Mei continued her tender ministrations until a sudden tickle in her nose caught her off guard. She tried to stifle it, turning her head quickly, but a soft sneeze escaped her lips.

When she turned back, her heart nearly gave out seeing Cheng's eyes were open, their gaze meeting hers with such focus that made her breath catch. He didn't move, his head still resting on the desk, but his expression showed keen interest.

Mei's hand was still tangled in his hair while she scrambled for something to say, anything to explain herself. But words failed her, and all she could do was stare back, her cheeks growing warm under his intense gaze.

Slowly, she began to pull her hand away, but before she could retreat, Cheng reached up and gently caught her wrist, holding her in place. His grip was strong but not harsh, and his touch sent a spark through her skin.

They stayed like that, in a silent moment, with only the sound of their breathing filling the room.

But soon, the moment was interrupted by a soft rustling from the bed. Prince Guo got up, his movement drawing their attention. Cheng released her wrist, his hand falling back to the desk while Mei quickly stepped back.

He sat up, rubbing his temples, but his gaze lingered on her for a moment longer before shifting to Guo.

Mei clasped her hands together, "I should check on Prince Guo," Her mind still reeling, but she forced herself to focus.

Cheng nodded. "Yes... thank you."

Mei sat next to Guo, and he watched her closely. She smiled at him and asked, "How are you feeling now?"

He didn't answer but nodded.

"That's good. Would you like some water?"

He nodded again, so she got up, poured a cup of water, and handed it to him. He drank it right away.

"Mei...ying," Guo spoke finally in a shaky voice, surprising both Cheng and Mei, who exchanged confused looks. Mei let out a small smile. "Yes, yes... I'm Meiying." She reached out, and this time, he let her hold his hand. "Are you feeling hungry?"

Guo nodded carefully, still holding her hand as an anchor. Though the panic was fading, it was still visible in his eyes.

"Great," Mei said, turning to Cheng.

Cheng stepped outside and spoke to a guard. "Tell the maids to bring the prince something light to eat, like broth and bread, to help him regain his strength."

The guard bowed. "At once, your highness."

Mei looked at Guo kindly. "The food will help you feel better."

Soon, a maid came back quickly with a tray full of hot broth, soft bread, and fruit. Guo started eating slowly while Cheng watched from the doorway as Mei carefully helped him.

Yize stepped in, watching the prince and Mei. He moved closer to Cheng. "Is he truly stable, your highness?" Cheng nodded slightly in response.

Once Guo finished eating, Cheng stepped closer to him. "Brother, let's take you back to your room now."

But at those words, fear returned to Guo's eyes. He let out a soft groan, and it seemed like darkness were creeping back.

Mei noticed his growing panic and squeezed his hand gently. "Prince Guo, would you rather stay here, where it's calm, until you feel safe?"

Guo nodded quickly, his breathing speeding up.

Cheng knelt beside him. "Of course, you don't need to go anywhere until you're ready."

"You will be okay," Mei assured him, brushing his hand in a soothing rhythm until he calmed down.

Guo stood up slowly, and Mei helped him to the bed. He sank into the soft blankets with a sigh, and she carefully adjusted them around him.

"Rest now, Guo. No harm will come to you here,"

Cheng and the maid watched as Guo lay there, still holding Mei's hand tightly. She smiled down at him. "Close your eyes, Prince Guo. I'll stay by your side until you sleep."

Mei gently rubbed Guo's hand, and his fast breathing began to slow.

As Mei's calming touch continued, Guo's grip loosened, and soon he fell asleep.

Yize moved closer to Cheng and spoke quietly. "Your highness, you know Prince Guo shouldn't be here—" but Cheng cut him off. "We'll worry about that at a later time."