For over a week I prepared for my departure from Karta - I had a carriage and three white stallions who would push the carriage. I wanted to leave Karta in style hence I made arrangements for my carriage to fit my status, of a princess and I had Chyou to thank for because she did everything for me and in confidentiality.
Lee didn't know a thing about my departure and I wanted to keep it that way. I didn't want him to distract me one more time with his "don't go" look on his face for he has those types of looks which could make one stay. My mind was made up - I had to go but before going I did my research on where exactly I would like to go. Chyou made several suggestions of the best places that would accommodate me as a princess, and offer me all the peace and respect I needed.
We agreed on Leilani, a powerful kingdom resting on the east side of Karta. It was ruled by a King called Yushen who had powerful army and weapons at his disposal - Leilani wasn't a city of luxury and parties compared to Karta. However it was ruled by law and order of his Majesty and the citizens followed it. Unlike Karta which wasn't ruled and it's people lived in harmony without following any leader, in Leilani there was a curfew and no one was allowed to pass the streets past nine pm, per the order of his Majesty.
"But the people are saying His Majesty is very sick, unknown disease has been the source of his weakness for many years. Some fear he may not see the next harvesting season" said Chyou when we were sitting on one of the gardens that adorned our small castle.
Chyou knew it all about Leilani for her husband was a man from Leilani, and she lived in Leilani for over five years before her husband departed to go to the war. I didn't ask much about the war and even reasons to why they had to go to the war - but she did catch my attention when she said His Majesty indeed had a son.
"He has a son?"
"Yes, the crowned prince and an only child of His Majesty. His name is Prince Yishen, named after his father but with differences of i and u"
"How old is he?"
"Just like your age Mistress. He's strong, powerful, and a great warrior. They say he could swing a sword the whole day without getting tired"
"Really?" I said and took a sip of my hot coffee while the trees in the gardens gave us the perfect breeze of the evening we needed.
"He's so handsome Mistress. I've seen him, maybe once or twice"
"You think he would be kind enough to let me stay at his Kingdom?"
"Prince Yishen is the kindest - I'm sure if you write to him first, he will let you in with open arms"
The idea of writing a letter to the prince sounded odd since I didn't even know does one write a letter. However I did know how to read the words since Chyou taught me during our free times but I still couldn't write.
Hence I called in an expert in my study at night. He was an old man with knowledge of different books and he owned a library in Karta. His name was Xiau Zi, and he had a handful of white beards all over his face. Xiau Zi always carried with him a bag which held his most prized possessions - I figured it was all about something to do with his writings for he was a writer too. A philosophy writer and a teacher.
"Please welcome Xiau Zi, Sir" I said and welcomed him in my study when he arrived.
"Thank you Ma'am. How do you do?"
"I've been fine thank you Sir"
Xiau Zi sat on a chair and sighed - he seemed rather too tired for just walking a short distance from the gates of our castle - to my study.
"I apologise for any inconveniences Sir. Did you walk much?"
"Oh it's nothing to trouble you young lady. I was a fit man during my times"
I smiled "I'm sure you were"
"I fought at war!"
"Really?"
"Yes and came back with a medal. I was a general of my army - strong muscles I have here" he chuckled and placed the bag that he was carrying on the table.
"Can I get you anything Sir?"
"What do you have?"
"Anything you'd like..."
"Rum will do young lady"
I wasn't expecting that and my face expression clearly showed that. "You think just because I'm old I don't drink? Just kidding... " he said and suddenly when I wasn't expecting it, he started laughing.
Then he took two deep breaths and looked at me, I had to sit on my table and we looked at each other.
"I want you to craft me a letter" I said. "But this isn't just a letter, it's a letter to the crowned prince of Leilani. Although I would like this meeting to remain confidential between us"
He took his moment to suck it all in - I guessed he also needed to make a decision regarding if he was ready to do what I asked him to. Then he took a piece of white paper - it was linen I presumed followed by a black wax and a piece of feather which he used it's edge to write the letters.
"My dear, tell me exactly what you want to say to the prince. And I assure you unless these walls talk - your words will be buried right here before I step my foot outside" he said to me and I didn't know why but a smile escaped my lips knowing my secret was safe with him.
He tested the wax by trying it on different papers before he was ready and we began our session where I spoke and he wrote every word I said.
Dear Crowned Prince Yishen,
I apologise for reaching out to you without using proper way to address you, for that you have my sincerely apology.
My name is Yae Lin and I am the sole and rightful heir to Tong'an Dynasty which I'm sure you are aware that it's now ruled by a ruthless and a mad Emperor named Qianlong after he killed my father and took the throne for himself.
My rebel army however was successful in defeating him couple moons ago and claimed victory - in return they beheaded his beloved son crowned Prince Dao and places his head on a spike. The prisoners of the war were all killed.
For me that success is just a one way to assure me that I am one step closer to my achievement. My father's dream and that is to be the Queen of Tong'an for it's my birthright. I believe the citizens deserve a merciful and a leader with sanity to rule Tong'an Dynasty, I fit all criteria Your Highness.
For now I reside at Karta in a hidden sanctuary and I would love to make a journey to Leilani Kingdom only if His Highness permits me so. I shall be forever grateful for His Highness kindness and generosity, perhaps it could be the start of many fruitful discussions we may share in the future. The omen was foretold that you were to be the King of the people - the merciful King and I here offer you the chance to be not only King of Leilani, but also of Tong'an.
You could rule both the Westlands and the North - together we can accomplish something bigger and who knows maybe we might even find redemption and peace in one another. And an heir who could rule both lands. Your Highness, here I offer my hand in marriage hence this letter is my love letter to you, Prince Yishen of Leilani Kingdom.
Yours.
Yae Lin.
Xiau Zi wrote every word I said and crafted it beautifully inside that paper. Then he gave it to me and I read it, at first I was in awe of my own words and just how grown up I sound. The Mingzhu I knew wouldn't do that - but the Mingzhu who had Yae Lin stuck inside her body could do it.
I folded the letter, showed Xiau Zi the way out of the study and he assured me the words written on the letter would never breach the walls. I trusted him, I didn't have any reason no to. The next day I sealed it with Yokosh's seal and sent one of my loyal men to deliver it personally to the crowned prince of Leilani. I would have made a journey to Leilani by myself but I knew that I wouldn't be appreciated with high regards unless the order came from the crowned prince himself. Poor Lee, he didn't know anything about my plans to leave him but I knew it was for the best.