Day 9,444

Red and orange lanterns hung tight above the halls and several cherry blossom flowers were arranged neatly in the vase. Dancers were busy doing their last rehearsal before their formal make-ups. Haoran stood by the dancing halls' door to admire the dancers' gracefulness. It was enough for the ladies to show off their beauties through dance that Haoran did not understand why they needed such heavily powdered make-up. His thoughts exploded into thin air when the eldest lady, Lady of Elegance lost her temper at one of the mistakes made by the dancers. He would have interfered, to ask her to just chill, but right at this very last minute, Haoran did not want to add fire to the pouring gasoline.

"I told her to leave the group a month ago," Yi Qing spoke, alerting Haoran that he was being watched and she brushed his hair to the side when the wind blew. "Mother would be furious if Rao Yuan is in her early month of pregnancy. Mother is stubborn. She is stubborn. I guess even us dancers have our level of hard-headedness. Why are you still in your usual robes?"

"I am escaping the maidens as you can see. They are getting a little too attentive to every decoration on my clothing, and my hair, and as much as I appreciate and love being pampered," Haoran sighed, looking at Yi Qing. "I need some peace today, da jie. They have been prattling about the suitable color, and the best accessories since yesterday. How did you bear their excitement?"

"I can because I want to look best everywhere I go and, especially today, when I am getting betrothed to my beloved. I don't want to look simple. I want to look dazzling, just like our mothers on their wedding day. Though, none of us can be compared to your mother's charm during her marriage," Yi Qing sickered, poking Haoran's nose. "I am betting that when it is your turn, you will be the best groom any ladies could get."

"I am honored, but let's not talk about me. Let's talk about you. Today is your day. How do you feel about dancing for your husband and their family members later?" Haoran questioned, watching as the dancers gathered for one last rehearsal.

"It will be the first time for his family, but not my husband. He saw me dancing several times during my practice since he could not keep his little feet away from my dancing halls. He's a sneaky one, so don't give him credit for being a know-it-all," Yi Qing answered, studying her little brother. "I am so happy to see that you are feeling better. Do you still see them around?"

Haoran sucked in the air around him, leaning his head by the door frame. He nodded. It was enough to let his sister know that everything that happened still took a toll on him. Haoran did not mind the spiritual world's ugly side, but some were too demanding. It was one of the reasons why they remained where they were instead of being able to move on to the afterlife. They left the world with not just hate, but greed and selfishness. However, there was one spirit that he could not quite put his finger on. Every night it would sit by his door, knocking on it six times, and began howling. It wouldn't be a bother if it did not leave traces of unreadable words in the form of soil by his door. Scholar Tang reminded him not to be involved, considering how none of the spirits recognized him. Needless to say, he was an outcast here in the castle.

"I still do," sighed Haoran. "It's getting better now that I am accustomed to all of them who are living here. Now, I am not the main attraction today. You are. So, let's turn the arrow back to you. How do you feel?"

"Thrilled, excited. I'm happy that we are finally holding a real ceremony. Your brother-in-law is always sneaking into my palace when he is around. Mother doesn't mind, but if the Emperor caught him," Yi Qing chuckled followed by Haoran who whistled. "You and I both know this ceremony is off. Don't even talk about marriage. I might need to find another suitor."

"Tragedy for the first ever soon-to-be brother-in-law," laughed Haoran as he saw Lady Xueyi dismissing the dancers and heading toward them. "That's my cue to leave. You still have a lot to prepare. I will see you later during the ceremony, da jie."

Bowing at Lady Xueyi, he took his leave. It is a grand ceremony, and since it was the betrothal ceremony of the first child and the first princess of the Pang Empire. Last week, when they sat through the planning, Haoran had a smug on his face the whole time even the king was threatening to chase him out of the halls. How could he not? His father had said that this ceremony would be the greatest of all time since his first child was getting betrothed. The Emperor already had plans for the wedding ceremony too. However, Haoran knew that this would be the first greatest ceremony of all time because even though the Emperor favoured one lady over the other, he had an equal love for all his daughters and his son.

Haoran would never forget the requirements set by his father for every one of them. One day, if it so happened, their lovers fell out of love with them, and the other is required to send the princesses and prince back here to the Pang Empire without a scratch on their skin. His father made it clear during Yi Qing's betrothed ceremony. She was not allowed to be demoted from her princess status. Hence, the Pang Emperor made it clear that his children must be returned. The same rules apply to the in-laws that are married into the Pang Empire. Haoran knew not all emperors and empresses cared about the well-being of their children after they were wed. It was always based on the agreement that the daughter would leave her home permanently to live with her husband and not return. Haoran was glad that this did not apply to their family. He would be sad not to be able to meet her sisters again.

Pang Haoran.

"You are not allowed to turn back," Scholar Tang spoke floating next to Haoran. "It's a beautiful day today so let's leave the outcast alone. My friend refused to get him to express his whereabouts. At this point, I am certain he is a doom to our palace's spiritual peace."

"Maybe -"

"No maybe," Scholar Tang hissed dangerously as they entered the prince's chamber. "I would prefer you not interact with him. He's getting suspicious in my eyes, my Prince."

"Suspicious? How?" Haoran asked sitting down on the bed.

"He disappeared after midnight, just by the cold palace, and returned from the gardens behind your chamber in the morning. Haoran, free spirits in the castle can move anywhere as long as they pass away in this very place. I don't think he is from here. He's an outcast. His route is fixed. Wherever you are, he's there," explained Scholar Tang.

Pang Haoran, your downfall will be my victory. And, my victory will be your death.

"And, the marriage ceremony will be held in three months, before noon," the royal Shaman announced.

Applauses filled the royal grounds as the dancers began to stand in position for their performance. Haoran was pulled into a tight hug by his sisters who stood up and cheered, tossing flower petals at the stage. He laughed when the Emperor pointed at Yiyue to calm her other sisters but to no avail. Without Yiqing, they were free from the control of behaviour. Besides, it was a wonderful time to break the royal protocol, just for this day. The ladies were assuring the emperor about their behaviour, and when they gave them a few thumbs up, Haoran and his sisters proceeded to cheer. No rules for the day with a beautiful ceremony filled with delicious meals and high-end wine. Even the ministers were all at ease, just enjoying themselves. Some were already drunk and Haoran wondered if they would be joining the open dinner at night.

Drums echoed in the castle alongside line-up performances non-stop. Haoran watched as the in-laws and his family gathered in the private dining for discussion. He and his sisters could mingle with the in-laws' family members. As he passed the tables sat by the ministers and their families, stories of the next princess to get married were their main topic. Some were betting on Yiyue and some on Huaxin. His sisters laughed as they gossiped about the ministries and healers.

"I bet Minister Chao's son would marry first instead of any of us," Yiyue said as they found a spot at the pavilion. "I saw him sneaking into a brothel when I was out searching for more accessories. Can you believe it? He was with two different ladies. Did he even know his son was fooling around?"

"Of course, no! He cannot even keep the records correct. How can he keep track of his sons? Was it the eldest, the youngest, or the fifth?" Huaxin questioned and added. "At this point, I do not even want to know. It might be all of them. And, he dared to say we kept someone in our bedroom. Pathetic old man with inequitable judgment."

Haoran laughed. Outside, he could still hear the endless chatters. Everyone was enjoying themselves, but as he sipped the puer tea poured earlier, he could not stop thinking about the whispered warnings. Who was it and what does it mean? Haoran breathed out a heavy sigh as he watched his sisters enjoying their chatters. He would usually embark on similar topics, but he needed some time to entertain his thoughts that were getting darker. Excusing himself, Haoran headed out where the generals were. Some were already too drunk to stand straight, and as Haoran walked past them he felt something unusual lurking among them. It was as if a shadow had loomed over them, hiding above and beneath. His ear rang and Haoran managed to suppress a hiss from escaping his lips.

"Are you alright, my Prince?" asked the familiar voice that always sounded like a nightingale.

It isn't even necessary to turn to look as Haoran had been hearing this voice for the past six months. He was grateful that the Emperor allowed their most skilled healer to live in the royal quarters near his palace. His care and attention were everything he needed.

"I am. Thank you," answered Haoran as he straightened his back. "Are you enjoying yourself?"

"It is a true honour to be invited to the royal family's ceremonies. I am having as much fun as the others. Where are you heading?" Albert asked, standing by the prince with a glass of tea in his palms.

The prince smiled, casting a weary look over the palace grounds. Something did not feel right. Even though the sun shone and the clouds were clear, something seemed amiss. Was it her sister's husband who brought foul creatures into the palace? Or was it all his nonsensical speculations again? As he battled internally with his thoughts, red paint splattered across his body staining his shoes, outfit, and face. He stood in motion, palms wiping the liquid away from his skin. When the metallic scent covered his nose, Haoran's fingers shook at the sight. He felt an arm around him, dragging him into the room behind him which happened to be an empty study the Emperor left in the future for his children's usage. Wiping the blood away from his palms, he looked up at the figure before him who hassled for a hair tie.

"My Prince, you need to find your way back to the princesses, the ladies, and the Emperor," Albert spoke in a demanding voice as he tied his long white hair backwards and turned to him. "Make haste!"

He watched Albert disappear from his sight, shutting the door. The sound of skin being sliced off became prominent to his ears as he searched the study for any weapon he could use to fend himself. Tossing some of the baskets of old scrolls away, Haoran sighed in relief when she saw the daggers in a huge box carved with the Emperor's emblem. He picked one of the swords and headed out. The floors were painted red and the screams echoed against the halls. Above them, the shining sun seemed to be enjoying such a spectacular and abrupt show for the day. Decorations fell on the ground. As he gazed around the palace, Haoran saw no sight of the spirits. Rushing towards the chamber where his sisters were, Haoran snarled when a man stood before him with his stained sword.

Blue robes adorned in black obsidian gems on the side. He hung an emblem at the side that Haoran had never seen before in real or in the matter of history books. Holding up his sword to block the attack, Haoran kicked the man away. The figure had a black robe around his face and Haoran could not make out the face before him. He unsheathed his sword, blocking the attacks swiftly to prevent himself from being hurt. He had one goal in mind now. Find his sisters, and bring them to the Emperor and the ladies. He silently prayed that the Emperor and the ladies were in a safe space. Next to him, a royal minister fell as blood poured out of his chest. A hole embedded deep right over his heart.

"Pang Haoran!" the attacker howled as the wind swept past them.

"Nobody calls me by my full name!" Haoran growled, piercing his sword right at his attacker's throat, but there was no blood oozing out of it.

Curiosity rose and fell against his breath. Haoran took the opportunity to reach out, unfurling the figure from his layers of appendages. To his horror, no one was in the clothing except a skeleton head covered in red and black paint. The centipede mark on his forehead with beetles surrounding it. As Haoran pulled the cloth away from its face the appendages slowly fell, and the skeleton burst into flames. Taking a step backwards, Haoran searched for the ashes and found the emblem. He picked it up, pocketed it, and rushed towards the chamber where his sisters were.

Along the way, the screams died down. Clashes of swords slowly died down. Haoran sneaked behind the walkway, avoiding one of the soldiers who managed to assault the royal guard. A loud breath exited the attacker's throat and when it turned toward his direction, Haoran hid behind the walls. Their footsteps were so light that there was no sound from their every step. He held his breath, peaking at the sight of the figure walking to the open area. Lifting its head upwards, Haoran watched as it removed the robe from his head and unfurled its centipede-marked skeleton. Upon meeting the sunlight, it burst into flames and melted into dust.

The attackers were not human, and Haoran felt his blood run cold, his skin froze as the thoughts ran across his mind. Were there the voices who spoke to him earlier and did he miss the chance to alert the people in the palace? Haoran made sure his steps were light as he passed the hallways, heading to where his sisters' were. He froze in his steps when he saw the place splatted with blood. Haoran rushed forward, pushing the doors open, and covered his mouth when he saw the sight before him. He bit onto his palms so strongly that blood dripped from his teeth and his eyes watered. Gathering the courage to step forward, Haoran leaned down to hold onto Yiyue's body, dragging the decapitated head close. Their bright clothes were covered in red.

Red was always the auspicious color of any celebration, but this was torture. Haoran set her body down, burying his face in between his palms.

Mother. He called out in his chest as he set his sister down and shut the door. Mother, please. He whispered to himself. Please be alright. 

Word Count: 2,743 words 

Cumulative Word Count: 17,874 words