A Love Written In The Stars

A few hours during the archery contest.

Xiao stood quietly at the edge of the crowd, watching the competition and prince yizong who was among the contestants. The cheers of the onlookers and the occasional attempts by other ladies to engage her in conversation barely registered in her mind, her thoughts were elsewhere—rooted in the man who once made her feel seen.

She couldn't forget his apology—the one he shouldn't have needed to give. It was her selfish scheme that had led to that night, yet he was the one who had to take responsibility. It hurt to think about how unfair it had been to him.

There had been a time when Yizong would at least acknowledge her presence, a nod or a fleeting glance that made her feel as if she belonged in his world, but now, he didn't even seem to see her. He looked past her as if she wasn't there, and it stung more than she wanted to admit.

The distance between them was more than physical—it was as if an unspoken chasm had opened, and she didn't know how to bridge it.

Xiao clenched her hands tightly, she had once hoped for more between them, for their bond to grow into something deeper but now, even that seemed like a distant memory. Yizong felt further away than ever, and deep down, she knew it was because of her own actions.

As the morning went on, the sun climbed higher, its relentless rays beating down on the gathered crowd, and after some time, the heat became unbearable for Xiao. It wasn't long before her strength began to fail her. She tried to retreat, seeking the shade of a tree or a pavilion, but the world started spinning, dizziness took over, and her vision darkened around the edges.

With a faint gasp, she stumbled, her knees giving way as the ground rushed up to meet her. The noise of the crowd dimmed, swallowed by a wave of darkness as she fell into a dead faint.

Time became meaningless as she lay unconscious, the world continuing without her.

At last, her eyes slowly opened, shapes blurred and shifted until they came into focus, her mind gradually piecing together where she was—and what had happened.

She saw an unfamiliar elderly man placing a hand to her forehead, a satchel of medicines at his side.

He looked down with a kind smile. "Welcome back, my dear. You've been through quite an ordeal."

Xiao tried to speak but her throat felt parchingly dry. The physician held a cup of cool water for her to sip. "Slowly, now. You collapsed from heat exhaustion. Thanks to the quick actions of some people present no real harm was done."

Xiao's gaze shifted around the room, her vision clearing enough to recognize the faces watching her. The emperor stood at a distance, his expression unreadable, while her father and other members of the royal family observed her with an air of grave concern.

The physician turned to address them calmly and assuringly. "There is no cause for alarm, Your Highnesses. The maiden's fainting is but a natural occurrence for one in her condition."

Xiao's breathing nearly gave out.

"Both mother and unborn child are healthy and strong," the physician announced. "It was merely the day's heat that caused her collapse. With proper rest, she will recover fully by morning."

Mr. Sha froze, his face turning pale as the words sank in, his face barely hiding his surprise, only the physician seemed unaffected, he remained calm as confused whispers spread among the court ladies.

Xiao felt as though her world was falling apart. She desperately hoped she had misheard the news, but she hadn't. A child? She hadn't even noticed the signs.

The emperor inclined his head toward the physician, "You have done well to inform us. The situation has now become even more delicate."

He shifted his attention to Xiao's father, sharp and expectant. "I must ask—where is Xiao's husband? Should he not be at her side during such a time?"

An awkward silence stretched on before Mr. Sha finally spoke, lowering his head. "Your majesty, my daughter is not married."

Gasps filled the room as the emperor stared at him in disbelief.

The emperor's gaze softened, his tone surprisingly gentle as he addressed Xiao. "My child, are you seeing anyone?"

Xiao, taken aback by the question, lowered her eyes and answered softly, "No, Your Majesty."

The emperor's brow furrowed slightly. "Then, I must presume there has been an error in your tests, physician. I ask that you conduct a proper examination."

With a respectful bow, the physician moved to follow the emperor's request. The room became quiet and tense as the minutes passed.

After a while, the physician returned, his expression grave. He bowed once more before speaking. "It is true, Your Majesty. The signs are unmistakable. The lady carries new life within her."

The emperor let out a heavy sigh, his hand pressing against his temples. "Unmarried and with child? This is grave news indeed. How did this come to pass?"

Even as one mystery was unraveled, a dozen more seemed to emerge. Xiao felt the eyes of everyone in the room fixed upon her.

Her father, his face pale with worry, sat down beside her with a deep, defeated sigh. "Xiao, this is deeply troubling. You must tell me—who is responsible? We need to notify the family at once."

Xiao shook her head as hot tears streamed down her cheeks. "I... I..." Her words stumbled, trapped in the knot of emotion choking her.

———

Prince Yizong rode back from the hunt, the sound of hooves echoing in the quiet forest. He had caught a large stag, but his excitement faded when he noticed the emperor's seat was empty. The usual cheers from the crowd greeted him, but they felt distant as he scanned the place for the emperor.

He dismounted, handing the reins to a servant, and looked around, still searching for answers. His personal bodyguard approached him and signaled for him to follow. The bodyguard's face was serious, and Yizong immediately knew something was wrong.

"Your Highness," the bodyguard said quietly, "there has been an issue today."

"What happened? Where is the emperor?"

"He's in a nearby pavilion with lady xiao," the bodyguard answered. "She fainted earlier… but it's more than just that. The physician confirmed something." He hesitated for a moment before speaking again. "Lady Xiao is pregnant."

Yizong's eyes widened in shock. "Xiao, with child?" he repeated, stunned. He couldn't believe it.

The bodyguard nodded. "Yes, Your Highness. It was confirmed directly from the physician."

Yizong felt his chest tighten. "Take me to where she is" he requested quickly.

Yizong entered the room swiftly, his presence commanding immediate attention. All eyes turned to him as he moved toward the emperor.

The emperor, who had been deep in conversation, turned to face his son.

"I was just on my way to the fields, my son," the emperor began. "There is a matter at hand here—one that is private and involves family only." He gestured for the others to leave, signaling the need for privacy. The court ladies hesitated, exchanging puzzled glances before they obediently withdrew.

But Yizong did not step back. Instead, he moved closer to the emperor, his knees suddenly buckling as he fell to the floor in a deep bow and the emperor, along with the others present, stared at him, unsure of what was happening.

"Honored father," Yizong's voice was strained but filled with sincerity. "I beg your forgiveness. The child Lady Xiao carries… is mine."

The emperor stared, unable to comprehend Yizong's words, while the others were too shocked to utter a sound. This was no trivial matter; it was a scandal that touched the heart of the royal family, one that involved a prince—Yizong himself.

"Prince Yizong, do you understand the full implications of what you're saying?" the emperor asked as he settled back against the wall.

Yizong lowered his head in remorse, he nodded, his answer clear without words. He understood all too well.

"Some weeks ago, after too much wine, we... spent the night together. But I never imagined the consequences of that night." He paused, trying to find his words. "Please, do not punish Lady Xiao. The fault is mine alone. I will do whatever is required."

The emperor cast one final, disappointed glance at Yizong before turning on his heel and sweeping from the room, his robes trailing behind him.

Mr. Sha turned to Prince Yizong, who remained kneeling, head bowed in supplication. "Your Highness," Mr. Sha said, "please rise, you need not kneel to one such as I."

Slowly, Yizong stood, though his eyes stayed fixed on the floor. Her father began pacing the room, his fingers absently stroking his beard. "This is no simple matter," he murmured, half to himself. "with many layers to consider—your duty, the child, your engagement. We must tread with utmost care, for the sake of all involved."

Yizong hesitated a bit, then stepped closer to Xiao. "Xiao, I am deeply sorry for the pain I have caused you. I accept full responsibility for my actions. But...marriage cannot be the answer to this. It is a path I cannot follow."

Xiao stared at Yizong, her lips parted as though to speak, but no words came.

"Please understand," he said quietly, "I am already promised to another and wholly committed to that bond. To entangle you further would only deepen the injustice. I have no wish to place you in a more uncomfortable position than I already have."

From the corner of the room, her father stepped forward, his presence loomed and his face darkened with fury, like thunderclouds heralding a storm.

"So, you tarnish my daughter's honor, yet you refuse to take responsibility? Is this the mark of a prince?"

Yizong lowered his head, "Honored sir, you know I cannot break my engagement—"

"Enough!" Xiao's father interrupted. "My daughter carries your child. For the sake of the child's legitimacy, my family's honor, and your duty, you will marry her."

Xiao's chest constricted as she watched the scene unravel, each word a blow to her fragile hope.

"Even now, he rejects me." The thought cut deeper than she expected. Unable to endure the pain any longer, she turned away, tears stinging her eyes and blurring the world around her.

"Please, Xiao," Yizong said, his voice softer now, pleading. "I will take care of you and the child—I promise. You'll want for nothing. But marriage… marriage I cannot give. My heart belongs to another."

His rejection struck like a blade, leaving Xiao's future in shambles.

Yizong bowed low once more before her father. "Your anger is justified, and I deeply regret the dishonor I have brought upon your family. I will ensure Lady Xiao and the child are cared for, but I cannot break my engagement. Please, understand my position."

Xiao's father said nothing, his scowl deepening as he stared at the prince. Without a word, he turned sharply on his heel and strode out, his robes sweeping the air behind him.

Xiao crumpled to the floor, her knees giving way as tears spilled over.