The fear of losing the man she loved forced Sein to cry out, "Zeya! Watch out."
She no longer cared to disguise herself as Bayin anymore.
Zeya instinctively reacted, drawing his sword to block on reflex.
Sein foresaw his defence wouldn't be in time. The assault was aimed at his neck and there was no way to protect him using cloth armour.
Without hesitation, Sein seized the attacker's clothing with all her mind, stiffening the fibres into an unyielding mass as hard as metal.
It halted the golden-scarf man's arm, mid-swing towards his target. The blade quivered in his hand, mere inches away from Zeya.
It was an odd sight to behold.
The men stared at one another for a brief second.
Zeya swiftly knocked the knife from the golden-scarf man's hand and said with disgust, "You dare to go back on your word and attack me from behind?"
The golden-scarf man was a frozen statue, unable to move his body except his head and hands.
Sein's cloth power wove itself around him with such force that it rendered him helpless in its inescapable grasp.
He blabbered pitifully, "Have mercy, My Lord. Have mercy."
Zeya stepped close but lowered his blade, and with the side of his hand, struck the golden-scarf man's neck.
At the same time, sensing the danger had passed, Sein released her hold. The golden-scarf man crumpled to the ground in a heap.
"Sein?" Zeya called out, his eyes scanning in her direction. "I heard you. Where are you?"
"Zeya, I'm here," Sein responded.
Her heart hammered in her ears, as adrenaline burned through her veins. She had reacted. There'd been no time to think. She'd moved on instinct alone, driven by the desperate need to protect Zeya.
She'd never known her power to feel so vast and ancient. It'd surged up from deep within her, rushing through her body like a sudden storm. The ferocity was almost frightening in its intensity.
Even now, her fingers still tingled, as if she held that power in the palms of her hands.
Then she saw him.
Zeya was running towards her, his expression caught somewhere between disbelief and wonder. The sight of him released the tension within her and any lingering energy dissipated.
She took a shaky breath.
When Zeya stood before her, she grasped his hand without thinking, clinging to it as though he were her anchor, grounding her back to reality.
Only then did she truly believe he was safe.
"Sein, so you do remember who I am," Zeya said, incredulous. "How on earth did you manage to get here? And what exactly did you do to that man? Never mind that. I'm truly grateful."
He cupped her face with his hands.
"You've saved me once again."
"I'm… I…"
Sein could only mumble.
Her gaze sinking into the depths of his pale eyes. His thumb caressed her cheek as he stepped closer.
"You have no idea how desperately I've longed to hear you say my name."
Then his arms slipped gently around her waist, drawing her closer. He leaned in, his face dangerously near. She felt the warmth of his breath against her skin and closed her eyes.
But the moment she did, she sensed someone watching.
Alert, she instinctively pulled away, catching Khin Yu in the corner of her eye. He had come to an abrupt halt, clearly having witnessed them in that intimate moment.
Zeya misunderstood Sein's reaction, thinking she was rejecting his advances, and let her go.
"Forgive me," he implored.
When Khin Yu didn't approach them, Sein's attention returned to Zeya. She was aghast to see him kneeling before her, looking up with uncharacteristic distress.
"Forgive me, Sein," he repeated solemnly.
"What is it?" Sein was puzzled by his apology.
Zeya showed no sign of standing but bowed his head. Sein immediately knelt down in front of him, feeling self-conscious as they were being observed.
"What is it, Zeya?" she urged. "Tell me what I am to forgive."
His eyes held hers, seeking reassurance in her expression before confessing, "I'm being thoughtless again. It was my selfish behaviour… my fault entirely, that resulted in your family being sent to the North."
He paused as if choosing his next words carefully.
"What do you mean?" Sein spoke up. "I don't understand."
"My parents discovered what happened that night in the garden during the Lighting Festival. What I did was impulsive and thoughtless, driven by my own desires," Zeya admitted. "As a result, they forbade me from seeing you again. Clearly they doubted my self-control, and that's why they made the decision to send your family away."
Sein listened intently, unblinking. She'd half suspected this might be the case, but had never admitted it to herself. And she'd never blamed him.
"I've spent many years regretting what I did," he continued. "I was utterly selfish and foolish…"
He trailed off, his face again showing remorse.
One word stuck in Sein's mind.
Regret.
Did he really regret what he did?
She had that unbearable feeling of being pierced by countless arrows.
It was the same feeling she felt on the morning when her family was summoned by the King.
***
Lady Marlar had risen in status by marrying into nobility. Her husband, Lord Hein, was the King's sister's husband's brother.
Despite this somewhat tenuous connection, it placed her within the esteemed circle of the extended royal family.
The prestige was undeniable.
So, when the entire family was unexpectedly summoned to appear before the King, she felt a surge of jubilation.
Could this mean they were to be granted even more privileges?
Lord Hein on the other hand, had no such expectations, and remained calm and composed. Their sons were dutiful and when called for, responded swiftly in appropriate attire. Dressed in their military uniforms, the sons were poised and refined.
Sein however was wearing her house clothes, still blurry-eyed from the sleepless night. Her mind was still entirely consumed by the events of the previous evening.
"Sein, what in the world are you wearing?"
Lady Marlar was immediately flustered, fanning her hands at herself.
"No no, that will not do. You go back and get changed right this minute. Into your best clothes. We have an audience with the King, not some random lord," she instructed. "Go quickly."
Sein rolled her eyes, looking defiant.
"Come now, my dear. Do as your mother asks," her father stepped in and coaxed gently. "You can meet us at the entrance to the Audience Hall once you are ready."
The family left without her.
Grumbling to herself, Sein went back into her dressing room.
She pulled off her clothes and discarded them on the floor. She whipped open the closet and pulled out the most gaudy clothes she could find.
I'll overdress for the part, she thought smugly putting on the red and gold clothes, encrusted with pearls and gems that sparkled with every movement.
Then picked out matching gold heeled shoes. These were extravagant clothing she thought to be tasteless and never wore.
Sein made her way to the palace main entrance, walking across the grand marble platform which shimmered like a silver sea.
The sound of her heels striking on the ground echoed, masking the music of birds fluting in the treetops. Her eyes squinted at the dazzling light as the sun rose over the trees.
Halfway up the majestic stairway leading to the Audience Hall, she heard someone approaching from further up.
The footsteps were light yet the pace was steady and sure footed.
She instinctively knew it must be Zeya. She slowed her pace and looked up, shielding one side of her face from the morning sun.
Sure enough, it was him but he was deep in thought, his head cast downward, not looking where he was going.
He moved swiftly until he noticed her at the last minute and stopped abruptly, less than an arms length away.
He looked tense, his expression serious and frosty, lacking any emotions.
Thinking he was purposely being formal, Sein subdued her friendly grin and spoke with cordiality.
"Your Highness."
She curtsied as elegantly as possible in her elaborate clothing, feeling foolish to have chosen such an outfit. He'd no doubt ridicule her for wearing the gaudy clothes later in private.
"Lady Sein," Zeya greeted cooly, with a formal head bow.
As quick as he'd appeared before her, he departed. His legs carrying him briskly away to the bottom of the grand stairway.
A frown appeared on Sein's face as she glanced back, a little surprised at the indifferent reception from Zeya.
A shudder coursed down her spine, leaving her with a lingering sense of dread.
Since there were no other people around, to see or hear, why had he treated her like a complete stranger. And particularly after the incident from the night before.
She remained on that step, gazing back upon his fine figure.
He was halfway across the marble platform heading for the east gate, his cloak billowing like a flag in the morning breeze.
***
The previous night, everyone from the palace compound, and anyone of nobility, were invited to the spectacular celebrations of the Lighting Festival.
It was an annual event to mark the joyous occasion of the Goddess of Light descending to the mortal realm.
A grand pavilion was erected in the palace garden, where traditional open-air performances of dancing and music took centre stage during the festivities.
By now, Sein had succumbed to dressing in the latest fashion; a bodice that pinched in her tiny waist, a neck line that revealed her décolletage. A buttonless, tailored jacket covered her arms and shoulders, and a beautifully woven long skirt with a flowing train, completed the outfit.
She chose muted hues of green, mixed with metallic gold and silver, not wishing to stand out.
She refused to pull her hair up in a top knot, letting her untamed locks cascade freely, flowing effortlessly in the breeze. The only hair accessory she wore was a single gardenia pinned near her temple.
Graceful and poised, her face radiated a serene glow, unblemished skin reflecting the soft light of the lanterns.
It was obvious where the Crown Prince stood in the pavilion. Many ladies gathered and jostled to position themselves near him.
He was chatting with a lord whom Sein couldn't recall the name of. She didn't care much for the people of the court.
She moved away from the bustling crowd surrounding Zeya. She didn't wish to appear like the other ladies, blatantly admiring him.
Instead, she allowed herself only discreet glances in his direction, noticing the way he carried himself. His lips curved slightly as he listened, acknowledging the speaker with the occasional nod.
She kept her senses sharp, scanning for any unwanted attention from a lord she'd been introduced to. In particular, she wanted to avoid Lord Myat at all cost.
He was easy to spot or rather smell. He'd taken to wearing an overwhelmingly strong scent that was becoming fashionable among the arrogant young lords.
This notion that one's fragrance must precede one, and linger for an eternity after one's departure seemed to have taken root.
The sickly sweet woody notes of sandalwood mixed with smoky undertone and musk was Lord Myat's signature scent.
Sein's foot tapped along to the well-know melody, as couples took to the centre of the pavilion.
Despite the breeze that filtered through, it was a sticky night, leaving the enthusiastic dancers glowing with a sheen of perspiration from their exertion.
She flicked a glance at Zeya. He was still engaged in conversation, though many ladies were already waiting for the chance to dance with him.
Cautiously, she began to make her way past the dance floor when a young man, perhaps nineteen or twenty, greeted her.
She bowed her head politely before moving on, but he deliberately stepped forward to intercept her.
"Lady Sein," the young lord began, his eyes twinkling.
He was tall and slim, wearing a military uniform similar to her brothers.
"My Lord." Sein acknowledged him, not knowing who this person was.
She felt a little wary as he'd boldly approached her without an introduction.
"Lady Sein, do you not recognise me?"
Sein looked blankly at the man.
"It's Htet," he continued. "We met when your brother, Naing and I attended martial school. We used to throw sticks at the other boys."
"Htety? Yes I remember," Sein exclaimed, relief on her face. "The last time I saw you, you were… ur… ten?"
Htet chuckled.
"Yes it's been quite a while."
His face had grown slender from the chubby cheeks she remembered of him. His light hair, high cheekbones, and strong jawline gave his face a striking appeal.
"I'm sorry I didn't recognised you, Htety."
Sein paused, realising she was not addressing a boy but a young attractive man.
"Lord Htet, you've grown tall and… now I see you look very much like your father."
It was a compliment as his father was considered a dashing lord in his youth.
The tempo of the music changed, Htet's eyes widened and he exclaimed, "That's my favourite song. Shall we dance?"
He offered his hand.
"No, I'd rather not," Sein said at first but her nose picked up Lord Myat.
Sure enough, out of the corner of her eye, she saw him heading in her direction. His fragrance bomb polluting the environment.
"What are you worried about? You're a great dancer," Htet said with one hand resting on his heart. "It's the honest truth."
"Maybe when I was nine," Sein said, taking his hand. "I can't promise I won't trample on your toes."
"I shall bare it," Htet responded, plastered with a cheeky grin. "I bet you're still amazing. Maybe you're embarrassed to dance with an old friend like me?"
"Of course not!"
Sein was reluctantly pulled into his embrace when they reached the dancing area.
As they moved with the flow of music, Sein realised it had been too long since she last danced. She was cautious at first but after a few minutes, catching his joviality, she relaxed and moved with grace and elegance.
The twirling young couple caught the eye of the Crown Prince.
He was astonished, not only to see Sein dancing, but particularly in the arms of a good-looking young man.
It was obvious, the young man greatly admired Sein. She was laughing and clearly enjoying his company.
Zeya's eyes swept over Htet, sharp as knives. Sein had no idea the Crown Prince was watching.
Moments after the music faded to silence, an announcement marked the time to greet the King and Queen.
Various stewards ushered the crowd towards the palace's grand staircase, where hundreds of candles were arranged meticulously along the banisters and steps.
The glowing path resembled a river of golden lava, an ethereal representation of the Spirit Stairway.
Sein excused herself from Htet and carefully made her way through the crowd, searching for her parents.
She caught the scent of beeswax candles mixed with jasmine blossoms from the garden, as the soft notes of mellow music drifted from musicians in the Audience Hall.
She watched the candle flames dance in harmony, casting intricate patterns of shadow and light across the marble floor. Her thoughts drifted to Zeya, wishing for a chance to speak with him.
Then she spotted her mother, dressed in gold and silver, sparkling so brilliantly she almost hurt Sein's eyes.
"There are so many distinguished guests here," Lady Marlar said to her husband. "Oh I must take this opportunity to introduce Sein to some of these lords."
Then seeing Sein, waved to catch her attention.
When Sein was by her side, she asked, "Sein, who was that handsome lord you were dancing with?"
"Good evening, Mama, Papa," Sein greeted, deliberately ignoring the question.
"Good evening, Sein," Lord Hein responded.
"Yes, yes, good evening to you," Lady Marlar said impatiently. "Who was that lord?"
Sein grinned, clearly enjoying her mother's curiosity.
"Do you mean Htety?"
"Gracious, Lord Htet has indeed grown up," Lady Marlar said with a sly smile. "Well, he is definitely charming and admires you, Sein. But where have you left him?"
"He is speaking with Naing," Sein replied, restraining herself from rolling her eyes.
"Why are you not over there with them?"
Lady Marlar scanned the crowd for her son but someone else caught her attention.
"Look, there is Lord Lwin. Is he not handsome in his military uniform, Sein?"
Sein glanced at the man, who was surely within earshot of her mother's voice.
He had well-defined features, and piercing eyes, with a confident yet approachable aura. His eyes flicked to her and he bowed his head.
Irritated by this interaction, Sein declared, "I'm going to find Thura."
She quickly left her parents' side.
At the top of the grand stairway, beneath a canopy of green, silver and golden drapes, representing the colours of Arkar, stood the King, a figure of splendour and strength.
Bathed in the warm glow of the candlelight, he descended the steps followed by Queen Opame, their three daughters and only son.
The Crown Prince looked striking, dressed in his military uniform, his pale eyes twinkling, catching the candle light.
Once they reached the marble platform, the gathered crowd bowed in unison.
The Queen stepped forward to address the people with a warm smile.
She wore a striking ensemble of vibrant royal purple, with a silk-woven skirt intricately embroidered in shimmering crystals and delicate lace, its elegant train flowing gracefully behind her.
"People of Arkar," Queen Opame began, her voice carrying clearly across the crowd. "Tonight we gather beneath Heaven to welcome the sacred hour of the Lighting Festival."
Her dark hair, was elegantly pulled back into a top knot, accentuating her attractive face. She gracefully balanced a magnificent jewelled crown on her head, her pale eyes shining brightly.
"On this night each year, the Goddess of Light descends once more to walk among the world of mortals. With her radiant grace she gathers the wandering spirits who have lost their way, guiding them home along the stairway of light that reaches towards the heavens."
She lifted a ceremonial lantern handed to her by an attendant.
"May the lights we raise tonight bring peace to the restless and comfort to those who-"
Sein tuned out the speech, her gaze drifting towards Zeya.
He stood to the right of his father. His handsome face seemed preoccupied, his eyes fixed on the crowd, though she sensed his mind was elsewhere.
Even though his expression remained perfectly composed, every so often his fingers twisted the ring he wore, an unconscious gesture that only she noticed. Something was troubling him.
When Queen Opame's speech ended, King Arkar stepped forward.
"Let the lights burn brightly. Let the spirits find their way home. And may the Goddess of Light watch over us all."
His words were few, but the depth of his hazel eyes as they scanned the audience, spoke volumes. His handsome face remained placid as the first burst of fireworks erupted.
The night sky was painted with a brilliant show of colour and light. Each firework burst open like a flower, its petals unfurling in a dazzling dance of light. Sparks rained down, leaving trails of gold and silver against the darkness.
The explosions boomed like thunder, their echoes reverberating, as the crowd responded ecstatically, clapping and cheering.
Shortly after the grand finale ended, people returned to the pavilion where music and dancing were to continue into the early hours of the morning.
Not wishing to dance again or have to make small talk, Sein bid her parents good night and headed towards the palace garden to cut through to the palace compound.
"Leaving so early? Not staying for another dance?"
A voice from behind caught her attention.
It was Zeya and he'd obviously seen her dancing earlier.
Sein paused, waiting for him to catch up.
A little sheepish, she responded, "I have no intention of being dragged into dancing again."
"You seem to be enjoying yourself," Zeya said, with a hint of sourness. "An admirer of yours?"
Sein observed him briefly, not knowing how to respond. His usual confidence was replaced with an unspoken tension, his posture slightly rigid.
Wait, is he jealous of Htet?
She was stunned. She'd never seen this side of him.
"He's a friend of Naing's," she responded. "I've known him since we were children."
"And are you betrothed to him?"
"Of course not! We're just friends," Sein exclaimed, realising the source of Zeya's unease.
She felt a rush of hope, delicate and fragile.
With a playful smile, she said, "You're in luck. You've caught me running away."
She strolled forward, her heart in a flutter.
Zeya seemed his usual self again as he walked by her side, arms brushing against each other.
"Very well, shall we run away together?" he said.
Sein stopped, facing him with pretend astonishment. She'd stood closer than she'd intended but he made no move to step back.
"Surely being the Crown Prince requires you to mingle with your subjects. Be the gracious host," she said. "Dance with a multitude of young damsons clambering for your charming attention. How could you be an utter disgrace and be thinking of running away?"
Her eyes lingered on him a moment too long.
Zeya's gaze drifted to the diamond pendant around her neck. It was the gift he'd given her, and she always wore it.
Usually, it was tucked inside her blouse, hidden from view. Now, with the lower-cut bodice, it had slipped into sight.
"I'd much rather run away with you, to be honest," Zeya said, meeting her eyes. "I can't think of anything finer than simply talking with you… even if it's about the most delightful nonsense."
"Nonsense!" Sein exclaimed with mock indignation.
She raised a hand to her chest, in an attempt to cover the pendant and slip it back behind her top.
"Me, talk nonsense?"
"Absolute, complete, and utter nonsense. That's what I love about…" Zeya hesitated, his eyes lingering on her lips. "You know, I do love talking nonsense."
Sensing his desire to kiss her, a rush of heat rose to Sein's cheeks, and she forced herself to resume walking.
She mustn't read too much into it, she told herself. But a sudden compulsion to be in his arms rose within her, setting her pulse racing.
"Sure, what complete, utter nonsense shall we talk about?" she asked.
By this time, they were standing underneath one of the ancient trees, loaded with tiny white fragrant flowers.
As the breeze picked up, it sent a shower of blossoms, like a flurry of snowflakes. Several of them gracefully landed in Sein's hair.
With a tender smile, Zeya reached out, his long slender fingers delicately plucking the stray petals from her hair.
A few blossoms had landed on his shoulder.
Sein moved closer to return the gesture, but before her hand could reach him, he drew her into an embrace. One hand lifted gently to her chin.
Before she could fully grasp what was happening, she felt his soft, warm lips against hers.
Startled by the suddenness of the kiss, she froze for a moment.
Then, she responded.
Her arms rose instinctively, circling his neck.
As he held her close and deepened the kiss, her hand slid to the back of his neck, her fingers tracing the warm curve of his nape.
For a long moment, all she felt was bliss, enveloped in his subtle scent of bergamot citrus and lavender. She let reason and reality slip away, sinking completely into him.
"Pardon for the interruption, Your Highness."
The voice sent a jolt of panic through Sein, her pulse racing.
Wrapped in each other's arms, they hadn't noticed Khin Yu standing just a few meters away.
Their lips parted instantly, and Zeya released her.
Colour drained from his face, his expression tightening, shoulders stiffening as his eyes flicked away, searching for the right words.
"Forgive me."
He mumbled to her.
Then, with a quick bow of his head and without meeting her eyes, he turned and hurried towards the pavilion, Khin Yu trailing behind him.
***
Sein was reflecting on their first kiss the night before, when her mother's voice interrupted her thoughts.
"There you are. Why are you standing there looking at nothing? Come up quickly. We have an audience with the King."
She was still on the step looking back at the east gate where Zeya had walked through moments before.
He was now out of sight and she had an unpleasant sensation in her chest, like the sting of a thousand arrows.
She discarded the uncomfortable feeling and hurriedly climbed up the stairways to meet her anxious mother.
***
Five years had passed since that morning when her family was told to leave for the North.
Yet every detail of that day, and the night before, remained vivid in her mind, as though no time had passed at all.
Then clawing back to the present moment, Sein forced herself to face reality.
Right now, Zeya was here, before her in the forest of the lowlands, kneeling and asking for her forgiveness.
He was telling her he regretted the kiss. His words drained the last of her hope and stirred a wave of self-doubt.
She felt completely crushed.
Seeing there was no response from Sein, Zeya continued, "I realise now I was weak. I should have stood firm and made certain you were never sent away and ensured the safety of you and your family. It pains me to know I can't change the past."
Sein couldn't stomach any more of his words.
His regrets. His apologies. His should-haves.
She didn't want to dwell on it, afraid the emotions swelling inside her would spill over.
"Honestly, there's no need to apologies. It happened a long time ago," she said at last. "And it's all forgotten."
Zeya frowned at this. Clearly her act hadn't convinced him so she went on.
"And besides, how could you have known how things would turn out? I mean who can predict the future. No one can really. Truly I don't blame you for anything. There is nothing to forgive. Let's not speak anymore of it."
She forced a smile as she studied his face.
The shadow that had lingered there seemed to lift, and his pale eyes shone once more, relief filling them.
He relaxed and sat back casually, one leg bent and the other extended, a hand resting loosely on his knee.
"Very well, we shall leave the matter there," he said tentatively. "However, I would like to offer my deepest condolences. The loss of your father must be terribly difficult and… your brother. It's truly devastating. He was someone I respected greatly."
"What? My brother!" Sein snapped. "What's happened to my brother? Do you mean Thura? Do tell me."
Zeya's eyes widened at the realisation the news hadn't reached her. But it had been four years since the battle took place.
How could she not have known?
"I'd been given to understand that your brother, Lord Thura, passed during the unrest with the Southern Delta four years ago," he began cautiously. "I don't know the full particulars, only that many of our men succumbed to a tropical disease. I hadn't realised you were unaware of this."
He reached for her hand as he continued, "I'm very sorry, Sein."
Sein turned away as tears welled in her eyes. She drew a shaky breath, struggling to contain the grief that threatened to overwhelm her.
"I truly wish I could undo what's been done," Zeya said softly, hoping to ease her pain. "It's my doing. My fault. If only I could turn back time."
"No, no, no," Sein cried, pulling her hand away from his.
She didn't wish to hear anymore remorse from him.
She abruptly stood up and dashed off through the trees. Zeya immediately went to give chase but Khin Yu stood in his way.
"Your Highness, let her go," Khin Yu coaxed, holding his arm firmly.
Then reasoned, "She needs time to accept her brother's death. Give her a little time."