Shadow Princess

Nuwa had no idea how long she was scampering. All this time, she never looked at her surroundings or even stopped to relax. There was only one contemplation in her mind and that was at any cost, she needed to escape from this dangerous city, alive. She was desperate, yet determined to survive.

She understood the girl wasn't someone to trifle with. Why she was so unfortunate to meet so many rich people? She was regretting, for not refraining her impulsive actions.

When she glimpsed the ray of the first light of dawn started to illuminate from the east, Nuwa deduced that she has been running for the whole night.

She was feeling suffocated as her lungs were out of oxygen. Her head was spinning, legs were bleeding. Her whole body was wobbling and aching to the point that she felt paralyzed. She realized, she needed to stop otherwise she might collapse at any moment.

Breathing heavily, sweat pouring down her small face, Nuwa frantically eyed the surrounding area- to hide and rest for a while. Sensing that she was alone in the middle of a secluded dense forest, she halted and was about to lay down under a big tree. However, she abruptly sat and opened her sack and took a money pouch out.

Yes, it was the pouch that Bai Qiang gave her for compensation. She counted the money, found that there were more than fifty silver coins. The corner of her lips slowly broke into a small smile.

It was enough for her to live a comfortable life.

Initially, she didn't have any intention to keep his money. But she still did. Why won't she?

He destroyed everything that she was working on. She always weened that one day, her life will change. And it did...almost.

Now she desperately needed to find a safe harbor. It was impossible to go back. So of course, Nuwa needed a lot of money to live a solitary life.

Reminisced about the baker, she felt distressed. But, there's no room to return.

'He must be concerned about my whereabouts. '

*Sigh*

#####

Inside the Imperial Palace

The usual peaceful atmosphere of the Palace had vanished as it was replaced with tension and fear. People were crying and pleading inwardly to Buddha that they could overcome the upcoming calamity.

On the bejeweled, lavish 'Eagle' throne, Emperor Lin was sitting dignifiedly. His beard and hair were white like snow, his face was covered by wrinkles. Even though He was in his late sixties, it didn't diminish in his graceful and almighty aura. He was wearing a golden colored rob which emitted an overbearing domineer.

"How dare you left the Princess?"

"How did she got hurt?"

Emperor Lin roared when looking at everyone furiously. The hostile look emitted from his eyes so terrifying that people around him shuddered and immediately collapsed in fright. Rows after rows of Eagle guards and maid-servants were kneeling while begging for mercy.

"Y-your Majesty, please punish these lowly servants. We couldn't protect Her Highness."

"P-please punish us."

They pleaded unison even though they didn't mean what they said. The Royal Court was filled with murmurs and outcries. Emperor Lin was so angry on his selfish servants that he vexedly look at the advisors and ministers and sternly said,

"What's the point of having special guards when they could not even protect the only successor of this kingdom? Don't tell this Emperor that it was another conspiracy of treason!"

His sudden statement created surprised among the imperial ministers and royals. They gasped in horror. Their bodies were trembling as they bowed,

"Y-your majesty. We dare not."

"This must be an accident. Please give us a chance to investigate this matter."

"Please punish us."

This time, the one who was trembling in resentment the most was no one but the Emperor Lin's second son, King Lin. He was sitting beside his imperial father. Initially, he had a solemn expression which later turned into aggravate after observing the disloyalty of these peasants. Unlike his old calculative father, he had always been a gentle and easygoing ruler. However, today he was furrowing his brows with extreme anger. Clenching his fists, he bellowed,

"How many times are you gonna repeat the same sentence? If it was a MISTAKE, then why did Prince Bengt perished???"

The hustle-bustle inside abruptly turned into pin dropped to silence. They even tried to stop their breaths, didn't know what to respond. Because it was true. The kingdom was still mourning over Prince Bengt's disappearance. It was impossible to overcome the loss of his death until the Kings produce a new male heir.

King Lin's body was emitting a cold-killing aura. He really hankered to kill those disobedient, lowlives. Because of them, he lost his only son. And now, they were after his sick daughter.

How dare they???

Clenching his c.h.e.s.t tightly, he tried his best to control his emotions. He felt heart-piercing pain whenever he thought about his son. Nobody can compare a father's pain who loses his children's lives...

Emperor Lin deeply understood his son's sorrows. He also loved his deceased grandson. He was still mourning over his death.

How dare someone attempted to assassinate his granddaughter! He will never forgive this.

Taking a deep breath, he shrieked,

"Don't forget. Because of your carelessness, this kingdom lost it's future Emperor. And now, its only heiress, Princess Liena is unconscious. Tell this Emperor, how shall We punish you."

Hearing him, people understood, this time they were doomed for sure. So they cried out loudly.

"Please forgive us, Your Highness."

"Give us a last chance."

"Have mercy on us, Your Highness."

The head eunuch didn't care what was happening as he bowed and went to King and Emperor's side to whisper something. Listening to him, both of the father-son duo's face returned to its original color as they stood up and hurriedly left without betting an eye to the sorry figures.

#####

Princess Liena was sitting on her large bed. There was a huge bump on her forehead that was covered by a bandage. Even though half of her room was filled with her relatives and maids, she was absentmindedly staring outside of the window.

Her mind was still preoccupied with the turn of events. How those people confronted Nuwa... and... how she cried...

'Why am I always so weak and dependable? Why I was so helpless back then?'

'Hehe... I've always been like this... Pitiful and spineless.'

Hearing loud footsteps, she finally diverted her attention to her family. Looking at their concerned look, she suddenly felt empowered like... she needed a change.

'No. I am a Princess.'

Her eyes suddenly glint with determination as she slowly looked at her father, then her grandfather. Then she slowly said,

"It was General Bai Qiang who bullied me."

She knew it is wrong to blame him. As a princess, she was misusing her power. But he was not an innocent soul. He bullied Nuwa, in the worst possible way. So she was just returning his misdeeds.

It was nothing but, tit for tat.

[Note: Unedited chapter.]