It was dark by the time Sein made her way to the Crown Prince's quarters. A chorus of frogs filled the air, their love songs accompanied her as she stepped into the palace gardens. She moved with careful precision, eyes scanning the paths ahead to avoid any unwanted encounters.
Rather than risk being seen at the front entrance, she slipped around the back of the building. Fortune smiled upon her as she arrived, catching sight of the serving girl who had helped her with clothes for sneaking into the capital, now returning to the kitchen.
"Oh hello, I have something for His Highness," Sein began.
"Lady Sein, this way," the girl gestured, showing the door which led into a warmly lit room.
Saw Win was seated at the table, eating his dinner. He stood up immediately and bowed.
"Saw Win, there is no need to stand. Do continue eating. My apologies for interrupting you. I have brought a healing ointment for His Highness."
Sein passed the small jar to the serving girl, who curtsied and gave it to Saw Win.
"I shall deliver this to His Highness at once. Please wait a moment, Lady Sein," Saw Win said and left the kitchen briskly before Sein could say anything.
Moments later, he returned and inclined his head. "His Highness requests your presence, Lady Sein. Will you come this way?"
Saw Win led Sein to the bedchamber. He pushed the sliding door fully open and motioned for her to enter. The room was spacious and luxuriously decorated, with an imposing four-poster bed at its centre, its white drapes elegantly tied back at each post.
"Lady Sein, good evening," Zeya greeted.
He was sitting up in bed, wearing a long sleeved green velvet robe, with a royal crest embroidered on one side, and a bed sheet covering his legs.
"Your Highness," Sein returned, with a quick curtsey.
"Do come in."
As Sein stepped forward, her gaze drifted over the silk wall hangings, each depicting tranquil landscapes of the Central Plains. Beneath her feet, a plush handwoven rug cushioned her steps, its woven softness a stark contrast to the tension she carried within.
"Have you come to cheer me up?" Zeya asked.
His eyes sparkled with unmasked delight at the sight of her.
"Of course," Sein responded, returning his smile.
Then gesturing to the jar sitting on the bedside table, she continued, "I thought you might like to try some of my healing ointment."
At this point, Saw Win bowed and departed, closing the sliding door behind him.
"Much appreciated. I will. But for now, why don't you sit and talk with me for a little while?" Zeya suggested.
Sein saw there were no chairs in the room, except for an opulent chaise lounge positioned by the window, next to a rosewood table, on which a vase of lavender infused the air with its distinct calming scent.
"Would you like a seat here?" Zeya asked, patting the space next to him.
Sein was uncertain whether he was teasing her or he really wanted her on his bed. She decided to remain standing.
"I'm quite alright," Sein said, observing his handsome face lit by the glow of lanterns hanging from the ceiling. "Tell me what happened."
"It's really nothing, just a minor strain. I wasn't quite focused enough. Honestly, I'm perfectly fine. Everyone is making far more of a fuss over it than necessary."
Zeya raised his right arm, which had a bandage wrapped around his wrist.
"See, I'm still in working order."
"Perhaps we like making a fuss of you," Sein grinned, relieved his injury was not serious. "It's unlike you not to be focused during training. What's bothering you?"
"Nothing at all," Zeya responded, he flicked his gaze to the window. Then returning his attention to Sein, said, "Are you planning on standing there and admiring me from afar, or will you sit by my side? I must say, I'm already feeling considerably better just seeing you."
"Oh really?" Sein said, still unsure of his invitation.
She noted they had grown more physical with each other recently: holding hands, touching shoulders, carrying her in his arms the night before, and now being invited to sit on his bed, wasn't that overly intimate? But how could any of their interactions be considered more than just mere friends?
"Are you in the habit of inviting ladies to sit on your bed?" she jested.
"No, only you are allowed on my bed," Zeya replied casually.
Sein glanced at the floor not knowing what to make of it. Did he also feel a change between them? As though having been blessed by Spirit of Love and Marriage had blurred the line between their friendship. She stepped forward, pushing her asymmetric cape to one side and gracefully perched on the edge of the bed.
Recalling the purpose of her visit, Sein asked, "Will you give me your hand?"
Zeya offered her his left hand, letting it rest softly in her open palm.
"No, I meant your injured wrist," Sein quickly corrected, casting a stern look but a faint smile tugged at her lips.
She was certain Zeya was just teasing her. She chastised herself for reading into what wasn't there. Taking his right hand, she started to unravel the bandage carefully.
"I'll put on some of my ointment. It'll reduce any swelling. Trust me."
"I trust you completely."
Zeya observed her with tenderness.
Again Sein didn't meet his eyes, which she could sense were studying her intently. Before she completely removed the binding, there were voices outside the bedchamber.
They glanced at each other and Zeya concluded, "It sounds like my uncle is here."
Disaster! thought Sein. What would his uncle think finding me here sitting on his bed!
She quickly stood to flee.
"Don't go. Not yet," Zeya said, sounding more like a command.
"But I don't wish to see your uncle. I'd rather he didn't see me here. You know what I mean."
Zeya acknowledged her distress by suggesting, "I understand your concerns although my uncle will not judge us. If you'd prefer, will you wait in the bathing room? He's about to come in."
Sein nodded. She felt a little uneasy hiding but she had no choice now. As she stepped inside the bathroom, the sliding door to the bedchamber slid open slowly by Saw Win. He looked surprised to see Zeya alone and gestured for Lord Ray to enter.
Lord Ray was the younger brother of the King. He was tall and well-proportioned, with fine features. His brown hair was impeccably groomed, and a neatly trimmed beard framed his handsome face.
"How is my favourite nephew?" Lord Ray asked, his voice was authoritative yet fair.
Sein pressed her face against the door which was not completely pulled shut. She watched as Lord Ray walked up to the bed. He was dressed in finely tailored attire that accentuated his stature, exuding an air of sophistication and confidence. Age had barely touched him. His hair remained thick and dark. Had she not known he was Zeya's uncle, she might easily have mistaken him for a man still in his prime.
"I came as soon as humanly possible," she heard him say.
"I'm absolutely fine, Uncle," Zeya responded. "Really, it's hardly worth mentioning, just a small strain."
"I am delighted to hear it."
Eavesdropping on their conversation felt wrong. Sein didn't wish to intrude and she soundlessly slid the door fully shut.
Lord Ray stood next to the bed. His eyes fell on Zeya's wrist, at the bandage which was half unravelled.
"I was about to apply this healing ointment," Zeya replied to his question before it was spoken.
Lord Ray glanced curiously at the small jar sitting on the bedside table.
"Tell me, who gave this to you?" he enquired, opening the lid and taking a sniff.
"A friend, naturally," Zeya said, casually.
"I must say, it is elegantly simple indeed," Lord Ray remarked, setting the jar back on the bedside table. "I have something far superior for you. This dressing is crafted by my own master healer, imbued with extraordinary healing abilities."
He took out a piece of beautifully woven blue cloth from his pocket.
"Remove that bandage nonsense and let me apply this instead. By tomorrow, you will be entirely back to normal."
Zeya did as asked and his uncle took his arm then wrapped the blue cloth around his wrist.
"How did this happen? Lord Thura mentioned you were distracted which seems utterly out of character for you."
"I lost my concentration for one moment. You know, it was just for a split second."
"Distracted with what? What is going on in that head of yours?"
Zeya paused for a long moment and Lord Ray asked, "Perhaps there is a particular lady who has, shall we say, captured your attention?"
Zeya instinctively glanced at the bathing room as Lord Ray continued, "We are, after all, in the company of a rather stunning array of young ladies here at court, not to mention the fine women in our service. It's only natural for a young man to have certain desires and urges. But your union with Princess Nanda is only twelve months away. It may seem an age, yet it will slip by in the blink of an eye. Resist the allure of court ladies; they are, how shall I put it, not of your station."
When Zeya didn't respond, but looked a little dismayed before regaining his full composure, Lord Ray offered, "Ah yes, I imagine at eighteen one's needs are quite, if I may be blunt, pressing. Naturally, a man must look after himself. Still, I suggest, rather than entangling oneself with a lady of the court, so full of delicate sensitivities, I could arrange for someone… discreet, of course, and tasteful, to attend to your requirements. It's far better to satisfy one's desires without muddying the waters at court."
"Truly, that will not be necessary, Uncle," Zeya responded, utterly mortified. He promptly asserted, "I assure you, I have sufficient restraint to keep the court waters perfectly undisturbed."
Lord Ray studied his nephew, and seeing that Zeya was ruminating, he said, "Well, whatever else is on your mind, do not worry. It is entirely normal to become distracted once in a while. After all, we are only human. Life has an uncanny knack for throwing distractions our way, as if to test our resolve. But fear not, my dear nephew! Tomorrow morning, we shall begin with some rigorous training, focusing solely on the mind. We shall delve into the depths of your thoughts, like determined hunters tracking down elusive prey, and vanquish any troubling notions that dare to linger. Now then, do try and get a proper night's sleep."
"Much appreciated, Uncle. Good night."
Zeya lowered himself into the bed, clearly signalling his desire to be alone. Lord Ray took the cue and headed for the door.
"Indeed, we shall face tomorrow anew, and I shall be right by your side, ready to conquer whatever challenges may come your way. And the offer I mentioned earlier still stands should you change your mind. Sleep well, Zeya," he said before leaving.
As soon as Saw Win pushed the door to a close, Zeya jumped out of bed. He slid the bathroom door gently and stepped into the darkness.
"Sein?"
Zeya's voice startled her as she wasn't expecting him.
"Oh you scared me," Sein exclaimed, a hand on her thumping chest.
"Forgive me, I didn't mean to creep up. My stealth training must be paying off," Zeya said with a chuckle, strolling up to her. "My uncle has left. Will you come back to bed with me?"
His hand instinctively reached out towards Sein's, but at last minute, he restrained himself.
Sein's eyes narrowed a fraction as she sensed the shift in the wind. Only a moment before, Zeya's face had worn an easy smile with a touch of cheekiness in his eyes. Yet now an emotional barrier seemed to have settled over his features.
She followed Zeya back into his bedchamber, observing him closely. She spotted the blue binding around his wrist and asked, "You seem much better. What is that?"
"It's from my uncle's healer," Zeya replied, lightly jumping onto the bed. "He thought your ointment was clearly good stuff. He called it elegantly simple."
"Really?" Sein said looking a little pleased. "I suppose it's a little basic."
"Don't worry, I didn't mention it was from you."
"Good."
"Could you sit with me again?" Zeya patted to the space next to him. "It's easier to bear the pain when you're here."
Sein raised her eyebrows. "Is that right? Just how much pain are you in?"
"Tremendous amount. I'll need your help to keep my mind elsewhere."
Sein folded her arms and gave him one of her stern looks. She knew he was teasing her now and she played along, "And how shall I do that?"
"Would you sit here with me, perhaps just chatting a while… maybe until I drift off?" Zeya requested with a cheeky grin, although there was a trace of subtle guardedness.
Sein laughed softly.
"What are you like? A little boy needing to be tucked into bed? Shall I hold your hand and tell you a bedtime story?"
"Well, although I may be a grown man, I still find comfort in the company of a true friend," Zeya said in his most sincere voice. "Since you're offering, would you indulge me with a story and hold my hand?"
Though his admission that she was nothing more than a friend to him cut deep, Sein chose to accept it and embrace the role. Was it not better to offer her friendship wholeheartedly, even if her heart longed for something more?
She sat on the side of his bed again and offered, "Fine. You'll get one story and that's it."
She reached for his hand, cradling it gently within her own. He smiled, his eyes casting their magic on her.
***
Sein left Kin La holding Maung's hand, grinning to herself, recalling the silly story she told Zeya. She and Thiri walked back to the house.
Thiri was buzzing with energy and said, "That was incredible, Sein. Your spirit cloth is really amazing. I remember like how it healed my thumb just like that." She snapped her fingers.
"When I saw Maung's injury, I wasn't sure if it would work to be honest," Sein said truthfully.
Then she recalled what Kumbi told her. 'One is only limited by one's lack of imagination.'
I wonder what else I can do with my power.
"Maung was healed just like that too. It means we have like the favour of this spirit, don't you see?" Thiri went on.
Her arms swinging by her side as she marched along the road next to Sein.
"If you think about it, Spirit of Cloth has helped so many people in our village. We ought to like place a proper altar? Not the one those girls put up last year. We must persuade the village head for an official one. Don't you agree, Sein?" "Perhaps." Sein chuckled. "Though I'm sure the spirit doesn't mind what type of altar it is. It's the people of the village she cares about. Not how grand her shrine is."
"How can you know for sure, Sein? We ought to show proper respect. So the spirit knows we're grateful. I'm pretty sure she's a powerful one. She saved Maung, right? We're so lucky to have a guardian spirit of our own," Thiri concluded. "We're really blessed to live in Sagyo."
Sein smiled at that.
The power of Spirit of Cloth blazed through the area like wildfire, reaching all those who lived in the neighbouring settlements. Within a month, word of the spirit's miraculous healing powers spread to the surrounding regions. Its widespread acclaim soon brought about the construction of a permanent shrine at the heart of Sagyo.
However since no one knew of the spirit's life or what she looked like, they couldn't commission a statue. Instead, a beautifully woven piece of fabric, embroidered with the words 'Spirit of Cloth' was placed at the centre of the offerings. Sein smiled seeing the upgrades to her altar and marvelled at her growing power.
One late afternoon, while Maiah was preparing dinner, Kin La, Maung and his friend, Loti, were sitting on the porch talking. Sein joined them when she noticed Kin La's glum face, and the three of them were silent.
Loti immediately stood to offer a seat when Sein approached. He was no more than twenty, and was tall and well proportioned, with a chiseled jawline and piercing dark eyes. He settled beside Sein and offered a bright smile. She noticed his growing attentiveness towards her, and made a conscious effort not to encourage it. Although she enjoyed his company, she had no desire to open her heart for business again. Perhaps if she'd been an ordinary mortal girl living in Sagyo, untouched by the ache she carried for Zeya, she might have allowed herself to fall in love.
"What's happened, Kin La?" Sein asked.
"The King is calling for our men to join the military to bolster the northern defence. But why should we spare our men? The kingdom provides nothing for us in this village."
"Things are getting pretty serious," Loti spoke up. "I've heard a village in our area had a group of northerners causing trouble. Fights broke out, and a couple of the villagers were killed and a handful were injured. The northerners are clearly all barbaric. I bet you it's a sign of things to come."
Kin La peered over at Loti and said, "You can't say all northerners are barbaric. Lee's wife is a northerner and she's one of the sweetest ladies I know."
Loti waved off the comment and countered, "Maybe that's so. Their women may be harmless but their men… I've seen those northern men, with their pale eyes as cold as ice. And I've heard stories of their callous disregard for our people. They'll take whatever they want. If they fancy a girl, they'll just take her, if you know what I mean."
Sein was stunned by Loti's opinions, and mumbled, "The Crown Prince has pale eyes."
The group turned to her, puzzled.
"He's inherited his mother's eyes."
"But the Crown Prince is one of our own," Loti put forward quickly, seeing Sein's distress. "He may look like a Northerner, but his heart belongs to the Central Plains. He's nothing like those northerners I'm talking about. He's one of us, through and through. The problem seem to lie with those who are coming over the border and causing trouble."
"I agree. If we don't protect our borders, more and more will be coming to the Central Plains. Perhaps they're waiting until they have a presence in the northern hills before openly invading. What will come of us then? Will we have to give up our land, our way of living, our lives even?" Maung questioned, a frown expressing his concerns.
All this talk didn't make sense to Sein. Why would the Northern Kingdom invade the Central Plains? Their Queen's heritage ensured an alliance with the North.
"No, we won't be giving up anything. Our kingdom has military might," Loti said. He stood up with hands on hips, facing his audience. "We've proven that when the southerners invaded."
"What?" Sein exclaimed, staring at the young man standing before her. "War with the Southern Delta!"
They all turned to Sein, speechless.
Kin La ventured, "Sein, did you not know about the battle with the Southern Delta four years ago?"
"No, I didn't," Sein admitted.
What of the Crown Prince and Princess Nanda? Did their marriage not create an alliance with the South? She didn't know what to think.
There was a long pause as everyone seemed to be preoccupied with their own thoughts. Loti sat back down next to Sein. Only the drill of the cicadas were heard as the breeze picked up, bringing with it the sweet aroma of rice cooking from the kitchen.
As dinner time drew near, Maung sensed there was a need to make a decision.
He stood up, choosing his words carefully and said, "I will join the military. I want to protect our way of life."
Clearly this wasn't what Kin La wanted to hear and she turned away, her gaze resting on the ground.
"I will join too. I'm willing to fight for all the things I love about this village," Loti declared as his eyes flicked to Sein. "We'll show the northerners, there's military might in these hills too."
The two boys bumped fists and grabbed each others arms in a sign of camaraderie.
Sein's mind was in a turmoil. Discussions of a looming invasion and conflict in the south made her very unsettled. She put her arm around Kin La, understanding the anguish of seeing someone you love go off to battle.
In the weeks following Maung and Loti's departure, an air of unease settled over Sagyo. Sein noticed the change keenly. Conversations grew hushed, wary glances passed between neighbours, and an unspoken tension lingered.
As she wandered through the village, familiar scenes played out: elders gathered for afternoon card games over steaming tea, and older children trickled in from the fields. She waved at Thiri and Kin La, but then a realisation struck her. Where were the young men? Had they all gone to defend the kingdom? The village seemed left with only infants, girls, women, and old men.
A handful of passing traders brought news from different regions, their accounts only fuelling people's growing anxiety.
One in particular, an old man with wispy white hair and a beard to match, spoke in a grave tone, "They say the capital is under siege. The enemy has infiltrated. Doom is upon us."
"Who is the enemy? Southerners or northerners?" an old lady asked. "I do not know. Does it matter?" The man shrugged.
He stroked his long beard with his gnarled fingers, and said, "Southerners or northerners, whoever they are, they seek our fortune. All the wealth and power lies in the capital. That is why they want to seize it."
Someone cried out, "It is time to pray to Spirit of War. We are in need of strength, fortitude and resilience for our kingdom."
Many of the villagers voiced their agreement.
Sein went back to the house, visibly shaken. What will happen to her mother and brothers? More importantly, what will happen to the Crown Prince if the capital is captured? Her mind conjured image after image of Zeya in enemy hands, broken, tortured, or worse, lying lifeless.
These troubling thoughts occupied her the whole day, until Maiah enquired, "What's wrong, Sein. You're clearly troubled."
"It's the news that the capital is under siege. I don't know what to do. I can't just stand by idly and do nothing. I must do something to protect my family. I need to do something."
Maiah smiled but the lines on her forehead showed her true feelings.
"Do what you have to do, Sein. Don't live with regret."
Sein gazed at the woman, waiting for her to go on.
"I know what it's like to live with regret. My husband was a medic. He and a team of healers were in search of a bark from a particular tree thought to cure the disease that killed many of our men when they fought in the tropical south. My husband believed the trees were found in the northern hills and went in search of it. He was to be away only a week but he never returned. We were told he was killed by bandits. Unfortunately he and I didn't part on good terms. It was a silly argument and I should have said farewell to him but I was stubborn and I didn't."
Sein put an arm around Maiah's shoulders, who sighed, "That is what I regret the most… to have said cruel words to him in anger."
"Isn't love more than just about words and what you say to each other?" Sein tried to comfort the woman. She didn't know what to say exactly but ventured, "Hold onto the good memories. The love for each other and the time you shared."
"You're right, Sein. Still I cannot help but wish my last words to him had been kinder. I know I must focus on the present and not live in the past. I cannot go back in time. As for you, Sein, follow your intuition and you will have no regrets."
In that moment, her path lay crystal clear as Sein decided to seize Maiah's advice and follow her instinct. If the capital was under threat, she would join the fight to defend it. Keeping Zeya and her family safe ignited a newfound purpose within her, one that burned in her chest and fuelled her with determination.
"Maiah," Sein said, embracing the woman. "I'm grateful for your kindness and generosity. You welcomed me into your family and have given me more than you could ever know. You and your family hold a special place in my heart, and it pains me deeply to have to leave."
"I can see in your eyes that there's no changing your mind," Maiah said. "Let's break the news to the girls as gently as we can."
The next day, Maiah packed a bag with bread, fruit and dried meat for Sein. Sein herself packed a small bag which she wore across her body with a few pieces of cloth for healing use. She didn't have to worry about clothes.
"There's enough food and water until you reach Minabu. There you will be able to pick up more supplies as you head towards the capital," Maiah said, passing the packed bundle of food to Sein. "You take these gold coins too. It will be safer for you to find a carriage rather than walk."
Sein held Maiah's hand but didn't take the coins. She assured her, "Maiah, I cannot accept them. I have my own money and I'll take a safe passage. I will be careful."
"Be safe, Sein," Kin La said. "I don't want to have to worry about you as well. Send a message to us when you can."
"I will. It's a short good-bye," Sein said, her eyes welling up. "Because I will come back to visit. I promise."
It was no use. Chit burst into tears. Like a row of falling dominos, Kin La and Thiri followed, their quiet sniffles turning into full sobs. The girls huddled around Sein, wiping their tear-streaked faces with the backs of their hands.
Only Maiah remained composed, her smile warm as she said, "I know we'll see you again. Just don't make us wait too long."
Sein's voice failed her, caught in the tangle of emotions. No words could truly capture her gratitude or affection. Instead, she gave a small nod, turned away, and walked swiftly ahead, her gaze fixed on the road before her.