Fourth chapter: The healing storm

As the chaos of the festival faded, Zhao Yang held Ancheng tightly against his chest, urgency driving him as they rushed toward the palace. The Festival of Unity had turned into a night of terror, and the weight of Ancheng's injury pressed heavily on his heart.

"Ancheng, stay with me," he pleaded, his voice strained. "Help is on the way."

Anning followed closely behind, her mind racing with the knowledge she possessed. The whispers of a soul-crushing poison echoed in her ears, a poison so deadly that only she could concoct the antidote. The royal guards surrounded them, their expressions grim, but Zhao Yang's focus remained solely on Ancheng.

Once inside the palace, Anning wasted no time. "I know the poison," she declared, her voice steady despite the whirlwind of fear within her. "But I need the right ingredients. Quickly!"

Zhao Yang's heart sank as he watched Anning move with purpose. He felt helpless, his heart aching for Ancheng, the brave young general who had shielded him from danger. With General Li away at the borders, the burden of leadership fell heavily upon his shoulders, but he couldn't let despair cloud his mind.

"Anning, what do you need?" he asked, determination flaring in his chest.

"I need the essence of the nightshade flower and a few rare herbs," Anning replied, her brow furrowed in concentration. "They should be in the apothecary. I'll work as fast as I can."

Zhao Yang nodded and turned to the guards. "Gather the necessary items immediately! We must save her."

With the guards sprinting to retrieve the supplies, Zhao Yang returned his attention to Ancheng. She lay pale and still, her strength waning. He gently brushed a strand of hair from her face, his heart swelling with a mix of admiration and fear.

"You're not alone, Ancheng," he whispered, voice breaking. "You've always protected me. Now it's my turn to protect you."

Her eyelids fluttered, and a weak smile graced her lips. "Zhao Yang… I…" She struggled to speak, the poison battling against her will.

"I know," he interrupted gently. "You've always known. We've been through so much together since we were children."

The crown prince recalled the countless training sessions, the moments of laughter and support, and the deep bond that had developed between them. From the age of eight, they had trained under the same master, learning the art of combat and honing their skills. Their connection had always been special, transcending mere friendship.

As Zhao Yang held her, the sound of footsteps echoed through the corridor, and Anning returned with the herbs and ingredients. With deft hands, she began preparing the antidote. Zhao Yang watched her work, admiration filling him. Anning's expertise in poisons was unmatched; she was one of the greatest poison experts in the kingdom, and he trusted her implicitly.

"Stay focused, Anning," he encouraged, sensing her own fears. "You can do this."

As Anning mixed the ingredients, her hands steady despite the tension in the air, the antidote began to take shape. "I just need a few more moments," she said, urgency in her voice.

Finally, with a flourish, Anning completed the mixture and rushed to Ancheng's side. "Ancheng, you need to drink this," she urged, holding the vial carefully.

Ancheng's eyes fluttered open, and she managed a weak nod. "I trust you, Anning," she whispered, her voice faint.

Zhao Yang lifted her gently, cradling her as Anning administered the antidote. As the potion flowed into her, Ancheng's body trembled, and she gasped, pain coursing through her. But gradually, the storm within her began to settle, the poison's grip loosening.

"You're doing great," Zhao Yang murmured, his heart racing as he watched Ancheng fight against the poison. "Just hold on a little longer."

After what felt like an eternity, Ancheng's breathing began to stabilize, and color slowly returned to her cheeks. Anning sighed in relief, wiping the sweat from her brow. "It worked! She'll be okay," she declared, a smile breaking through her concern.

Ancheng blinked, trying to focus her gaze. "What happened?" she asked, her voice still hoarse.

"You saved my life," Zhao Yang said, a mixture of admiration and concern in his eyes. "And you scared me half to death."

As the evening sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow through the palace windows, Zhao Yang sat beside Ancheng, his heart still racing. He couldn't shake the intensity of the moments they had shared.

"Ancheng," he began, his voice low, "you risked everything for me. You don't know how much that means."

Ancheng turned to him, a spark igniting in her eyes. "And I would do it again in a heartbeat. You're worth it."

Suddenly, a royal messenger entered the room, holding a sealed letter. "Your Highness, a letter from General Li," he announced.

Zhao Yang's heart quickened as he accepted the letter, recognizing the familiar seal. He carefully broke the seal and began to read aloud:

"To His Highness, Crown Prince Zhao Yang,

May the heavens shine upon you and your lineage.

I write to you, Your Highness, not only as a general of the empire but as a father, whose heart is heavy with worry for his dearest child. I have received the emperor's letter, informing me of the grievous injury that befell my daughter, Ancheng, during the Festival of Unity. My soul trembles at the thought of her suffering, and though duty binds me to the border, my spirit lingers in the capital, standing vigil beside her.

Ancheng has always been a pillar of strength, both for the empire and for me. I know well her courage, but even the strongest warriors are not immune to the cruelties of fate. She has fought alongside you, shouldered the weight of responsibility, and faced dangers that few could endure. However, in this moment, I entrust her most fragile, human self into your care, trusting that you, more than anyone, will protect and nurture her.

Your Highness, I beg of you, care for her as I would, with all the love and tenderness a father can offer. She is not merely a warrior, but my daughter—my heart. See that she rests, that she finds comfort in your presence, and that she does not push herself too soon. Her strength may return with time, but for now, her greatest need is peace and gentle care.

I know that Ancheng is a stubborn spirit, much like her father, but I plead with you to remind her that even the fiercest generals must sometimes step back to heal. If it takes a fortnight, a month, or even longer, let her recover fully. I trust no one more than you, Zhao Yang, to be her protector in my absence.

Please, Your Highness, keep me informed of her recovery. Every word you send will be a balm to this father's soul, and may the heavens grant you strength and wisdom in these troubled times. I shall continue to uphold my duties at the border, knowing that my greatest treasure is in safe hands.

Yours with the utmost respect and gratitude,

Li Tianming, General of the Empire, Father to Li Ancheng"

As Zhao Yang finished reading, he looked at Ancheng, the weight of General Li's words settling in the room. "Your father cares for you deeply," he said softly, his voice thick with emotion.

Ancheng's eyes shimmered with unshed tears as she processed the contents of the letter. "He must be so worried," she whispered.

"Worry not, Ancheng. I will take care of you, just as he asked," Zhao Yang promised, his determination unwavering.

Zhao Yang's breath caught in his throat as he held her gaze, feeling the weight of their shared experiences pull them closer. "You have no idea how strong you make me feel, Ancheng."

Ancheng's heart raced as she held his gaze, her breath quickening. "And you make me feel invincible, Zhao Yang."

In that charged moment, the world around them faded away. It was just the two of them, their hearts beating in sync, the tension of the previous days evaporating into the air. The unspoken connection between them surged to the surface, and in a whirlwind of emotions, Zhao Yang closed the distance, capturing Ancheng's lips in a fierce, passionate kiss.

The kiss deepened, filled with relief, gratitude, and a shared determination to face whatever challenges lay ahead. They were no longer just friends or allies; they were two souls entwined, each a lifeline for the other.

As they finally pulled away, breathless and flushed, Ancheng smiled, her eyes sparkling. "Now that's a proper welcome back."

Zhao Yang chuckled, feeling lighter than he had in days. "Just wait until you're fully recovered. I have plenty more to offer."

"Promises, promises," she teased, squeezing his hand.

The palace, once filled with fear and uncertainty, now echoed with the warmth of newfound strength and passion. Together, they would face whatever came next, united by love and the bond forged in the fire of adversity.