"How is he?" Lotus asked the healer, worriedly looking at his son. Ka Suo was there too even the king and queen.

The healer looked at them and then shook his head. "Prince Shi's injuries are severe. It's surprising that he is still alive."

"Are we going to lose him then? Oh my son..." Said Lotus in despair. She then went to his unconscious son and hugged him tight. "My baby..."

The Queen too is crying. The young prince maybe not his son by blood but she too considers him as her own. Shi is a charming and lively child. Not to mention very sweet. He doesn't mind keeping her company when his siblings and father are too busy. She clutched her chest. This can't be happening. Noticing his own son's petrified form, she pulled him into her arms. Then, they went out of the room.

Ka Suo's tears began to fall. "Mom..." he said crying, clutching her dress tightly in his palms. "It's...hic... all my...hic... fault. I ...hic...hurt...hic... Shi. I- "

"Ka Suo, listen to me it was an accident. It wasn't your fault." She told him, looking directly in his eyes. "It wasn't your fault." She repeated.

Ka Suo didn't reply. He just cried harder. He felt bad. If he was only stronger, his baby brother wouldn't be lying on that bed right now fighting for his life. "Shi is only seven, mother. He can't die."

In response, the queen only hugged his son tighter.

Back in the room...

The healer did his best to heal the young Prince's major injuries. Thankfully, it seems that the will of the young prince to live is strong. He felt the Prince's body respond. His damaged organs slowly but surely repaired themselves. He sighed in relief.

"Healer?" Lotus asked, hopeful. The healer smiled.

"I underestimated the young Prince will to live. He's mostly fine now. But he would be unconscious for a week. His body will be fully healed by then."

Lotus smiled, relieved. The king was also happy. "Thank you," they both said.

"It's no bother, your majesties. I'm happy to serve you. I'll be leaving then." He said.

"You're dismissed," said the king. The healer bowed then left the family alone.

"I will not let this go easily, Your Highness." Lotus said, meeting the king's gaze. She's so angry. Shi, his only joy and son, could have died just because of his siblings' carelessness.

The king sighed. "Lotus, it was an accident. You were there too; you saw that Ka Suo didn't mean to hurt Shi."

"I'm not only talking about Ka Suo. You know what I mean. Talk to your other children. Or Shi and I will leave."

"Lotus..." said the king, trying to pacify her. Lotus just glared at him.

"Out." She said. "Now, Your Majesty, Shi and I don't need you here."

The king relented. There's no use talking to her when she's like this. "I'll tell the servants to bring your meal." He then left.

   ________________________________________

Three days had passed. Young Princess Yan Da is sadly looking at the beautiful lake in front of her. She's missing Yun Fei. She hadn't seen him the past days.

Did he leave me? Is he okay? Where is he? Are just some of her thoughts.

"Yun Fei... I miss you." she said, longingly. "I want to talk to you before I do something stupid. My brothers had been bullying me again. It hurt so much. It's funny, you know, I'm gifted with a lot of brothers. Someone who are supposed to care and protect me. Yet all they do is mock me and underestimate my abilities. Our kingdom is such a big place, but it feels like I don't have any place in it. I hate it there!"

Yan Da cried, trying to ignore her injuries. Her left cheek is bleeding even her left arm. There are also bruises on her right arm and other parts of her body. Her family called it training but more like an excuse for them to beat her. Yan Da clenched her fist.

She hastily wiped her tears. No, she thought. I will not cry because of them. From now on, no tears will be shed for the people who doesn't care about me at all. They do not deserve it.

Now calm, she started cleaning and treating her wounds. Hopefully, they'll be healed before she meets Yun Fei again, her most treasured friend.