A Love Written In The Stars

The morning sun shone brightly through the open windows of Xiao's chamber, its warmth doing little to lift her sullen mood. She sat alone, gazing listlessly into the courtyard below as her mind replayed memories of that night. It had been weeks since she saw or heard from yizong.

A soft knock at the door pulled Xiao from her thoughts. Her maid entered and bowed. "Lady Xiao, Lord Yizong is here to see you."

Immediately xiao's face lit up and she dismissed her maid then readied herself for what was to come.

Moments later, she walked out, bowing low, a gesture of respect. An uncomfortable silence stretched between them as they stood, his eyes fixed on the ground.

"I have come to apologize for my actions during the festival," Yizong began, finally finding his voice. "There are no words to express how deeply I regret what happened between us that night. It was inexcusable and brought you great dishonor."

Xiao remained silent.

Yizong took a tentative step closer. "I take full responsibility and am willing to accept any punishment deem fitting. All I ask is that you find it in your heart to forgive me." He paused, as if bracing for her refusal. he took another step forward and gently grasped her hands. "What we did was forbidden. If discovered..."

Xiao replied in a trembling voice. "What is left to say? You dishonored me in the worst way." She took a shaky breath. "Nobody will find out, I promise."

Yizong flinched as if struck by her words, yet he did not look away. "Please all I ask is for us to try forget and continue as we were before."

"As before?" She questioned herself, yizong spoke of moving on, leaving her to question if she merely was a fleeting fancy, a forbidden fruit to be sampled and then cast aside? The thought rankled, stinging her pride and igniting a fire in her core but she smiled softly, "Indeed, Friendship is a precious bond, and I am grateful it remains unbroken."

His touch sent a tremor through her that she hated herself for. Pulling free, she said "Just go, Prince Yizong. I—I cannot think clearly right now. Please leave me be."

For a long moment he did not move, as if hoping she might reconsider. When Xiao did not turn or speak further, Yizong took his silent leave.

Finally alone, she raised her hands to her face and let the tears flow freely. What an idiot she had been to think her cunning and concoctions could snare Yizong's heart! All she had achieved was to undermine the trust between them, possibly beyond repair.

Her actions that night replayed in her mind, each decision more impulsive and reckless than the last. How she had pounced on his vulnerable state like some common floozy.

Worst of all, he had rejected her! Why have all her attempts with him been useless? Why did Yizong not see her devotion?

Amidst sobs, she confronted the bitter truth. She had behaved like a naive child, thinking that physical intimacy alone could pave the way to love. As if Yizong's heart was a prize to be claimed through manipulation and lustful games.

How immature she had been, believing that her body's allure could unlock his deepest emotions. Lust is a fleeting flame - true connection comes from patience, understanding, and care that develop over time. All the things she had recklessly disregarded in her selfish pursuit.

There had been affection between them, no doubt. But it was that of friendship and to force Yizong into a situation where his heart and feelings may not have been ready to bloom—it was a violation of his trust and body.

Mei was about to enter when she caught the faint sounds of muffled sobs wafting from the chamber, her heart jolted in fear as she hurried inside.

"Xiao!" she gasped, spotting her beloved cousin curled up on the floor, her delicate frame trembling. Without thinking, Mei bolted towards her, wrapping Xiao in her arms, pulling her close.

"Tell me, what is wrong?" she whispered, tenderly stroking Xiao's matted hair. At Mei's touch, Xiao sobbed harder, clinging to her cousin as if she were a lifeline.

Mei remained silent, holding Xiao close, gently rocking her until the weeping subsided. Mei knew that whatever burdened Xiao would surface evetually, but for now, her only concern was comfort.

Once Xiao's tears began to ebb, Mei tenderly cradled her cousin's face. "What's causing this storm of sorrow, xiao? What happened?"

Xiao hesitantly drew her nose. "Prince Yiz...yizong... I dared to dream he held similar feelings for me, but it seems I was....."

Mei gently stroked Xiao's hair, trying to soothe her distress. "We're all slaves to our hearts, xiao." Mei said, mustering a gentle smile. "Try to calm your restless heart. No matter how strong, emotions always fade over time.."

"Xiao, I know it's hard, but maybe some distance from Yizong is what you need to heal." She said gently.

Mei wrapped her arms around Xiao, holding her close. "Don't torture yourself. He's made it clear he doesn't feel the same way, and holding onto hope is just going to keep you in misery."

Xiao nodded in disapproval, her eyes welling up with more tears. She knew Mei was right, but admitting that Yizong didn't reciprocate her feelings was like accepting a stab to the heart, she had gone too far to give up now.

Mei continued gently. "The prince has made his feelings clear, has he not?"

"No, maybe he doesn't get the depth of my love for him"

"Don't you think it's time you cease pursuing Prince Yizong. He clearly shows no interest in—"

"Don't say that about yizong! you don't see the way he looks at me, the way he talks with me, he's different when he's with me." Fresh tears streamed down her face.

"You cannot tell me to give up on him! You're not my family, we're only cousins.

Why do you even care who I court?"

"Because it will only lead to heartache..."

Xiao's face twisted in anger. "Easy for you to say when you have Prince Cheng's affection! Who knows, you might even want to steal Yizong for yourself."

Mei sighed wearily. "My feelings are irrelevant. We both have duties that must come first."

"Duty!" Xiao spat. "And what do you know of love? I'll have Yizong, you'll see that some risks are worth taking for the ones you love."

"Xiao listen, I only want to spare you pain. But I will support you nonetheless." Mei took Xiao's hands.

Xiao pulled away. "Keep your false sympathy. Once Yizong is mine, we'll see who's right about duty and the heart." She stormed off.