Chapter 1 — A Failed Assassination
"Incoming!" An arrow tore through the air, its deadly intent aimed for the unsuspecting prince among the crowd.
———
Golden Lotus Square was alive with the chatter of merchants, the rhythmic clatter of wooden wheels over stone, and the sizzling of street food in iron woks. The warm breeze carried the mixed scents of spiced pork buns and fresh-cut fabric, blending with the metallic tang of ink from a nearby calligrapher's stall.
Prince Cheng wandered through the marketplace crowds with Yìzé behind him, both enjoying the lively atmosphere in their simple cotton robes.
He had loved the idea of sneaking out here as a child, fascinated by this world so separate but integral to life within the palace. But now, worry ate at him of whispered conspiracies and lurking threats that seemed to follow him even to his chambers.
Up ahead, a cloth seller's booth caught his eye. Cheng strolled over, examining the fine embroidering in silk.
While the vendor was extolling its virtues, and his fingers trailed over the cool, smooth embroidery of a silk robe, something pricked the hair on his neck, a subtle shift in his surroundings.
A sharp twang cut through the noise, the distinct snap of a bowstring releasing its deadly payload.
The whistle of an arrow slicing the air followed a heartbeat later, fast and precise. Cheng's instincts screamed at him, but before he could react, a rush of wind brushed his cheek as a figure materialized from nowhere.
Their firm grip seized his shoulders and yanked him backward mere moments before impact.
Cheng fell back but instantly regained balance, he heard the faint swish of silk, the quick scuff of boots against stone, and the sharp crack as the arrow embedded itself in wood instead of flesh.
Gasps rose from the onlookers, their eyes going wide in shock.
The metallic tang of fear coated his tongue as he stared at the arrow lodged deep in the wooden post beside him.
Cheng's POV:
I stood there, frozen, as her hand gripped my shoulders firmly. My breath came fast, my chest rising and falling in tune with my racing pulse. The crowd had receded into background noise, their voices blending into a distant hum.
My rescuer stood before me, silent and composed.
The world seemed to slow down as she yanked the arrow free fiercely.
Our eyes met, and for a moment, I was at a loss for words. She had the most captivating eyes, almost hypnotic.. like a trap waiting to spring on anyone who stared too long, yet, strangely, it made me feel at ease.
Just as I was getting drawn in, something happened. An unearthly glint flashed in her eye. I blinked, thinking it was just a trick of the light, but there it was again, a faint, eerie spark.
A chill ran down my spine, and it had nothing to do with the wind.
Who was she?
I should have said something, asked her name, thanked her, anything, but the words stuck in my throat.
She stepped back slowly, her face remaining hidden beneath the veil that shielded her features.
"Are you well, mister?" she finally spoke, her voice was calm and unhurried, as if death had not just passed inches from us.
All I could do was nod, still bewildered by the events that had just transpired.
I diverted my gaze, scanning the rooftops, trying to spot the assassin, my thoughts were still a chaotic mess.
Yìzé, my head guard, came running towards me, visibly concerned. "Your Highness, are you hurt?" he asked urgently, his eyes scanning my torn clothing for any sign of injury. "This wo..." I started to say, but the words died in my throat as I realized she was gone.
My eyes darted around the market square, searching for any sign of the woman who had just saved my life. But there was nothing. No trace of her, as if she had never been there at all.
"A woman saved me," I finally managed to say, the words sounding strange even to my own ears. "She must have incredible reflexes and skills."
Yìzé's expression darkened as he listened to my account. "Did you catch the assassin?" I asked, a sinking feeling growing in my stomach.
He shook his head grimly. "He fell from the roof and broke his neck before we could reach him," he said in frustration. "Though I suspect he was already dead before the fall."
A bitter taste filled my mouth as the reality of what had just happened began to sink in. Someone had tried to kill me today, in broad daylight, in the middle of a crowded marketplace. And yet, more troubling than the attempt on my life was the mysterious woman who had appeared out of nowhere to save me and now nowhere to be found.
Why would she risk her life for mine? And why would she disappear without receiving appreciation? Did she know whose life she had saved?
~ As Yìzé escorted him back to the palace, his mind continued pondering countless thoughts and questions; how did the person, who hired the assassin, recognized him from outside the palace? How did they know that he would be outside the palace even? He never informs anyone whenever he leaves the palace for personal reasons, well anyone but yizé, whoever sent the assassin knew well enough that he was going to be out of the palace today.
Forceful attempts on a prince's life were no trifling matters, it must have been the reflection of heavy power centers within his father's court considering him a threat.
That night, Cheng could not be restrained, he paced the chambers with his mind still turning, deep in thought. He swept into his study, Yìzé following silently. Cheng shed his commoner robe and lowered himself into a chair beside the massive mahogany table.
"Summon the guard who found the assassin's body," he told a guard. "And have the royal physicians examine it immediately, learning all they can."
Soon a guard entered and kneeled. "Your highness, the man carried no identifying marks, nothing to trace the perpetrator."
Another guard quickly ran into the room and bowed accordingly. "Your highness, We searched but found no trace of your rescuer but found this," Yìzé received the parcel and handed Cheng a slender dagger encrusted with exquisite carvings.
Cheng studied the fine blade, brandishing the item with apparent admiration for the craftsmanship. "This truly belongs to her?"
The guard nodded.
"We may have a lead on the woman who saved you." Said Yìzé.
"I've sent word to the other quarters to be on alert for anyone matching her description."
Cheng sighed in relief and gratitude. "You have done well."
"Your highness, Army General Xao requests an audience." Another guard bowed low.
Cheng frowned. The general's sudden appearance seemed thinly veiled, but dismissal might arouse suspicion so he followed the guard to his study room.
Army General Xao rubbed his beard and lamented the recent attack on Cheng's life. "These scoundrelly ones wish to destroy all we've built your highness. You must accept extra protection until the threat is ended."
"I appreciate your concern, General. Though today's assassin took his own life."
"What leads have you found your highness?" General Xiao inquired.
Cheng sighed. "Nothing yet."
"Take heart, My Lord, My men are indomitable. I am sure that, with the passage of time, we will get to the truth." His eyes, however, blazed with no sense of justice, but cold calculation.
Cheng doubted Xao's loyalty now more than ever as he took his leave. Xao was an ambitious man with ambitions that extended beyond certain boundaries.
"Have the doctors found anything?"
"Poison, sire," said a physician, breathless from running. "A fast-acting concoction, meant to ensure his silence. The assassin likely planned to get away, rather than be caught."
Cheng clasped his hands as he reviewed this information, not only his death, but to the covering of the traces, how wide was the conspiracy?
"Now go rest, your duty is fulfilled for the day. I must see to this myself."
Cheng retired into his chambers, the dagger clutched tight in his hand. "It seems I have more intimate enemies who wish my life taken before I even come to the throne," he said in a dull tone. "I must continue further investigation on these failed plots, no matter the forces behind them."
