"How much longer could I control it before it consumed me?"
———
Prince Cheng leaned over the washbasin in his private chambers, cupping cool water in his hands and splashing it onto his flushed face. As the liquid dripped down his cheeks, he gazed heavily at his reflection in frustration.
"The curse is becoming harder to control."
He leaned on the table, recalling the unsettling event from that morning during an important ritual.
Flashback:
The official began the ceremony and read old verses to honor their ancestors.
They had been standing under the hot sun at the open ritual grounds for hours, and Cheng felt worn out.
He had felt the dark force inside him for a long time but kept trying to keep it at bay.
Just when he thought he had a bit of control, it rose again and rushed through him.
News of the crown prince's outburst spread fast.
Court officials and eunuchs who were gathered, whispered in worried voices. "Did you see how he lost control?" one said. "The curse is getting worse. How can he rule if he can't handle his own demons?" another added.
Their talk carried fear, because Cheng was the crown prince now, and seeing him struggle made everyone worried. If someone like him could not handle his demons, what hope did the empire have?
More worried whispers spread through the crowd as Cheng was taken away to recover. Before the tension could grow worse, a strong voice stepped in.
"Silence."
The emperor stood from his seat and stared at the crowd with a cold look. Everyone stopped talking at once.
"I will not let this unsettling talk ruin these sacred rites. My son's condition is serious but it is a private matter. We are here to honor our ancestors, not to create rumors. We will continue the ceremony with the respect it deserves."
Then he gave the order for the rituals to continue. The crowd fell quiet again, pushing down their fears after his stern warning.
Under the eyes of everyone watching, Cheng returned. He looked pale and tired, but his jaw was tight as he took his place again.
As the rites went on, Cheng closed his eyes and forced himself into deep focus. He pushed past the wild spirit inside him. Sweat ran down his face as he fought to control it bit by bit.
He made it through the long rituals with strong will, stopping every surge of chaotic energy that tried to break free. When the final gongs sounded, his clothes were soaked and his face was drained of color.
When the rituals ended without more trouble, the crowd let out relieved smiles. Cheng had pushed back the curse's violent rise, showing a strength that earned him new respect.
(Back in his chambers) Cheng's Pov:
I sank onto the bed, my body shaking with tiredness. I closed my eyes and focused on my breathing, letting it move in and out like soft waves. I pictured a calm lake with a smooth surface that showed the sky. I imagined the dark spirit inside me rising and settling until everything grew still.
When I opened my eyes, a bit of calm returned. The curse had pushed me hard today, but I still managed to take control. I faced its chaos and came out on top. My body felt weak, but my mind stayed strong, refusing to give up.
That evening:
In the throne room, I knelt before my father, feeling the pressure of his gaze like a shadow over me. When I looked up, his face was hard to read, hiding what he really thought. "The curse showed itself in public," he said flatly. "Rumors will spread."
I sighed, knowing what this meant. "They will say I am unfit to rule."
"But we cannot worry about rumors." He looked off into the distance. "You know your duty, my son. For the good of the people, it is time to accept the marriage proposal."
I hoped to avoid this, but I had no choice anymore.
I thought about the people who needed a strong leader, the nobles who wanted power, and my people trapped in the fight for control. If a marriage could bring a bit of insurance, what else could I do?
The empire or my own life, which one mattered more? I looked into my father's eyes, ready to speak, but he said firmly, "I expect an answer when next we talk."
With gratitude, I bowed low, and left.