Long Fei's heavy strides echoed through the grand hall as he led Shui Yi into the Empress's chamber. Maids and eunuchs bowed low. They whispered among themselves as he walked passed them. His mother had always been the unshakable pillar of the kingdom. Now, approaching her bedside, he was shocked by her frail condition.
She lay unconscious, her once flawless skin now jaundiced, and the regal presence that usually filled the room was replaced with a fragile sobriety. His father, the Emperor, sat beside her, his face drawn with exhaustion. His usual commanding presence had all but dissipated, leaving behind only a weary, broken man, clutching his dying wife's hand.
"Mother..." the Crown Prince murmured, stepping into the room.
His father turned, his eyes weary with grief. "Fei'er... you're finally back. I don't know how much longer she has."
Long Fei knelt beside his father. "What happened? She wasn't like this when I left."
"We've tried everything," the Emperor replied, his voice laced with frustration. "Healers from across the kingdom have come, but nothing seems to help. We suspect dark magic. No one can explain it."
The Crown Prince's gaze shifted to Shui Yi, who stood at the threshold of the room. Her sorrowful expression betrayed the weight of the situation. His resolve hardened as he turned back to his father. "I've brought someone who may be able to help," he said.
He motioned for her to approach the bed. "This is Shui Yi, the legendary healer."
She bowed gracefully, her voice gentle yet filled with confidence. "Your Majesty, I will do all I can."
The Emperor nodded, a glimmer of hope flashing in his eyes. But as she approached the bed, a shadow moved across the ceiling.
Long Fei swiftly pulled her toward him, just as a shadow dropped onto the floor—Long Yan, clad in stealthy garb. His eyes gleamed with malice. His presence was unnerving, his gaze locked onto Shui Yi as though he recognized her. "You..." he growled as he unsheathed his sword and lunged toward her.
Without hesitation, the Crown Prince threw himself in front of her as the blade sank deep into his side. Pain exploded through him, but one thought anchored him: Shui Yi had to be protected. Long Yan's eyes widened as if surprised he had missed her. Then he snarled as his focus shifted to the prince.
With a primal roar, Long Fei surged forward, pushing the blade deeper into himself, closing the distance and striking Long Yan in the throat. The sheer force made the intruder stagger back, choking for air.
The prince clenched his jaw as he ripped the blade out of his side. He swung the bloodied blade, slashing his assailant and spraying blood across the floor.
Fueled by adrenaline, Long Fei jumped and planted both his feet at Long Yan's gaping chest, sending him crashing into the far wall. The Crown Prince remained standing, clutching his wound as blood dripped on the floor, every breath a struggle. "No one shall hurt her."
***
Shui Yi's heart raced as she saw Long Fei bloodied, her body trembling with the shock of his injury. The memories of Captain Long Yan's cruelty on the pirate ship flooded back, and the fear that had gripped her surged to the surface. She shook her head, trying to snap out of it.
Long Fei's breath was labored, his hand pressing against the deep wound in his side. "Shui Yi..." he whispered hoarsely. "Please… save my mother."
The plea in his tone spurred her into action. Though her heart still pounded with panic, she swallowed her fear. Her hands trembled as she placed them over his injury, instinctively calling upon her magic. A soft, melodic hum escaped her lips. He placed his hand over hers as his breath steadied, the tip of his ears reddening.
A gentle, glowing light enveloped his wound as her healing energy flowed through her voice, mending the torn flesh. As the light intensified, it spread outward and bathed the chamber in a warm, ethereal glow. The scent of impending death was replaced by a soothing floral scent.
The Emperor's eyes widened, and color returned to his weary face as his gaze locked on his wife. The Empress's breathing steadied, and the sickly yellow tone of her skin faded, revitalizing her beauty as she lay there. He brushed his fingers against her face, his eyes softening.
The air was thick with a serene energy that seemed to rejuvenate every soul it touched.
The chamber door crashed open, and guards poured in.
"Seize him!" the Emperor commanded, pointing at the intruder rising from the floor.
But Long Yan was already moving. Like a wolf on the run, he slipped past the guards effortlessly. His eyes, filled with hatred, glared at Long Fei one last time before he disappeared into the shadows of the palace. A distant wolf howl echoed through the halls.
The room fell into a tense silence, save for the Emperor's ragged breaths as he stood, staring after the now-vanishing shadow of the assassin. He pointed toward the hallway. "Find that traitor. He shall be executed for treason." The guards immediately gave chase.
After a moment, the Emperor sat back down beside his wife, clasping her hand tightly. Her eyes fluttered open, and she smiled sweetly at him. She cupped her free hand gently on his cheek, then turned her gaze tenderly to her son.
Shui Yi let out a breath she didn't realize she was holding. Her heartbeat slowed now that she felt safe with the pirate captain out of her sight. Relief flooded her, but the toll of her healing blurred her vision as she collapsed. Long Fei swept her in his arms before she hit the ground.