The north wind howled, drowning out the sounds of the mundane world. A flurry of snowflakes danced in the sable sky. The pure forms overtook the night in a storm of white. Amongst them was a lone figure, standing atop a tower, dressed in the color of mourning.
Fu Bao reached out her hands to capture some of the frozen souls. Trapped in a cage of warmth, they melted, leaving watery carcasses on her open palm. The wind was strong and sifted through her thin dress, chilling her to her bones, but she did not seem to mind.
Nothing beautiful would ever stay.
This had been her favorite place as a child. Up here, one could see the world–her world—that was always bustling with life. Bright lanterns would light up the streets, children frolicked on the market square, and vendors displayed their savory treasures–steamed buns and candied hawthorns and many others. But now, only darkness was before her.
A still accumulating sheet of snow covered the ruins of the city, masking all the horror she had witnessed on her journey here. Dead bodies, plundered stores and homes, more dead bodies, and the few that were still alive cowering in the shadows. In a mere month, the once prosperous capital had been reduced to a barren land. The place that gave birth to her had died, along with its people, so why was she still here?
The sound of footsteps disrupted her thoughts. He had arrived.
She regarded the approaching form. His beauty never failed to amaze her. With ivory skin that captured the moon's pale glow and chiseled features that flaunted the artistry of the maker, it was no wonder that he was lusted for by so many—even her own father. This time, he was not clad in armor–instead, a silvery cloak fell off his broad shoulders in ripples. If she had not caught the splatters of crimson that stained it, she would have mistaken him for a being descended from the heavens.
His form towered over her, exuding a silent anger. "Do you know how many men I have sent to look for you?" His dark brows casted a shadow over his eyes, "and yet I found you myself. " He let out a dry laugh, "Is this what they call fate?"
"Then, the gods must have heard my prayers. I was waiting for you, husband." She returned coldly.
"I'm surprised you could get this far. Tell me, who helped you?" His eyes narrowed into slits. "Or should I just kill them all– starting with those two servants you've gotten close to. What were their names? Snow and Plum? "
She shook her head, "How much more blood do you want to spill? Do you not fear the wrath of gods?"
He seethed, "Gods? Where were the gods when my kingdom fell? Or when I was being tortured by your father?" He leaned down, enunciating each word, "No, I am my only god. And I'm taking back what's mine." He reached for her.
"Don't you dare." She spat and at once pulled out her dagger, making an aim for him, but in a swift motion, he snatched it out of her hand and twisted her arm behind her back, locking her body against his. His eyes bored into hers, "So this is what you're here for, princess?"
"Let go of me, you murderer!" She tried to twist out of his strong hold.
"Ah, you must have found out then." He lifted the shining metal to her cheek, gently tracing a crescent shape. "I was hoping the news wouldn't reach you so quickly." The sharp blade traveled downwards to the nape of her neck.
She let out a bitter laugh, "So you really did kill him." Flakes of snow kissed her cheeks and dissolved into shimmering droplets. Along with that of her own, they rolled down her cheeks, "It's all over" she breathed. If her heart could be covered in frost, it would hurt less, wouldn't it?
He dropped the dagger and gently wiped away the crystalline droplets. "Would you shed any tears for me, if I were the one who died?" His gaze lingered on the stains left behind. It was a foolish question. This was the path he chose years before, the path she was doomed to cross.
"I already have, " She whispered softly, looking into his eyes, "years ago." He froze at the words. Taking this chance, with all her force, she pushed away from him. Before he could grab her again, she pulled out a hairpin and held the sharp end to her neck, threatening, "Don't come any closer, or I'll end it here."
He stopped in his tracks, "Give that to me" he demanded. She shook her head and continued to move back. His eyes darkened when he saw her reach the edge."Come back here and give that to me. Do not play with me." He repeated.
She laughed, "You think this is a game?"
He ignored her and continued, "I do not make idle threats."
"Yet, you can threaten me no longer. I don't have anything left for you to take." She closed her eyes, filled with sorrow. "I've lost everything. There's nothing left for me here."
"What about our son?" He demanded, "You would leave him behind?"
Her face morphed into a pained expression, "It's for the best."
"I won't allow it." His booming voice echoed through the air.
"There are some things even you cannot control." She climbed onto the rampart, her body swaying in the wind.
A flash of fear crossed his face, "No!" He reached for her, "Ah-Bao even if you hate me, this isn't the way!"
She smiled sadly at him, "Don't you know? I've never hated you, Chong. But I'm tired. For all these years, I couldn't be a good daughter, nor a good wife, but let me at least die as a princess would, for my kingdom and with my kingdom."
He grew desperate, "Then take your revenge! I'm here. Come for me."
"No, you've won already." She shook her head, "Once, I wished to live and die with you. Now, I wish for neither." A sad smile spread on her lips, "Take care of Yao-er and don't tell him about his unworthy mother." Her gaze then hardened, eyes locked onto his, "If the divinities are to repeat their game, I hope we will never meet again."
And without looking back, she fluttered down.
世事犹如梦一场,几度春暖又秋凉?
离人最苦凝噎泪,君臣最恐家国亡,
柔情似水浮生梦,乱世烽火平一方,
为怨此生难为情,山河依旧换君王.