“The bathing pool is ready, Your Highness,” Saw Win announced, peering at the Crown Prince who stood beside his bed, staring bnkly at silk hangings on the wall.

  They were of peaceful valleys and serene mountains of the Central Pins, unlike the thoughts occupying his mind.

  “Much appreciated,” Zeya said, pulling off his jacket and letting it fall to the floor.

  He undressed with little care, leaving a trail of clothing across the polished wooden boards as he made his way into the bathing room. Saw Win followed silently, collecting the discarded garments as he went.

  “Let me know if the bath is too hot. I’ll add more cold water.”

  “No, it’s alright. A hot bath helps me rex. Even in this weather, it gives me a moment to breathe… to think.”

  Zeya welcomed the coolness of the marble floor against his bare soles as he entered the bathing room. He dipped a foot into the pool, gauging the heat. Finding it bearable, he lowered himself slowly. Once accustomed to the warmth, he released a long, contented sigh.

  “Challenging day?” Saw Win inquired, kneeling by the pool to pce the soap dish and wash cloth within easy reach.

  “You could say that. Too much time with my parents tends to be rather draining these days. Though, I did have the rather intriguing company of Lady Sein this afternoon.”

  “Ah… the beautiful dy,” Saw Win remarked, working the soap into the cloth imparting the uplifting scent of bergamot citrus into the air. He handed it to the prince with a knowing smile.

  “She’s more than just beautiful,” Zeya said, absently thering his body with the soapy cloth. “She’s genuinely good company. Actually, I’d go so far as to say Lady Sein is a good friend.”

  He paused, unable to contain a smile. “We’re trying to untangle a bit of a mystery. Tell me, Saw Win, do you know of anyone in the city reputed to summon spirits?”

  “Summoning spirits?” Saw Win echoed thoughtfully, walking over to retrieve a rge bamboo dle from a nearby stool.

  He returned to the bath’s edge, only to find Zeya had vanished beneath the water. After a brief pause, Zeya emerged, slicking his hair back with both hands.

  Saw Win knelt again, waiting until Zeya settled against the side of the pool, before he continued, “I do not know anyone who summons spirits directly but I do know someone who’s friends with many spirit mediums. He might know of the person to contact.”

  “Sounds promising. Would you be willing to have a word? See if this friend happens to know anyone with the means to reach Spirit of War?”

  “For sure,” Saw Win promised, rising to his feet. “I shall find out first thing. Hopefully there will be someone we can contact by tomorrow afternoon. I imagine Your Highness wishes to pursue this matter with some urgency.”

  “Exactly. See if you could arrange it quietly though. And if it’s possible, would you mind rescheduling my training with Lord Thura? I’d like to slip out tomorrow afternoon without raising too much fuss.”

  “Indeed, Your Highness,” Saw Win said.

  He moved over to a cabinet to retrieve a towel which he pced on the stool.

  “If I may suggest, travelling incognito might be prudent.”

  “You’re absolutely right. Would you mind seeing to it that we’re suitably dressed for the occasion? And let’s keep this between us for now. No need to trouble Khin Yu. He’ll only start fretting and then insist on coming along.”

  “Your Highness, shall I accompany you and the dy? That way, should we be seen departing the pace, it would appear a perfectly legitimate errand.”

  “Good thinking, Saw Win. Let’s hope Khin Yu doesn’t catch wind of it,” Zeya said with a grin.

  He stood and stepped lightly onto the marble floor, sending a spsh of water in every direction. Saw Win moved forward with a towel, but Zeya took it from him, wrapping it round his waist. Still dripping, he strode into the bedchamber where his night robe and pants were already id out by the dresser.

  Saw Win quickly fetched another towel and followed, trying in vain to dry the prince, who was clearly lost in thought.

  “Sounds like Lady Sein might be the perfect companion for your street food adventure,” Saw Win mused openly, eyes glinting with mischief.

  His comment caught Zeya’s full attention.

  “You really think she’d agree to dine out with me?”

  “I do not think any dy would refuse your invitation, Your Highness.”

  “Well, she’s unlike any dy I’ve ever met. I’ve absolutely no clue how she’ll respond.”

  The following afternoon, Zeya found himself pacing in front of the grand daybed, unable to settle. He’d sentone of his most trusted stewards to take a note to Sein, requesting her presence. He seldom invited anyone into his quarters, treasuring the privacy and quiet refuge it offered from the demands of court society and the burden of his duties. But for their meeting to remain unseen, he had no choice.

  A flutter of nerves stirred in his chest, strangely reminiscent of the anticipation he’d felt as a boy awaiting birthday surprises. Recognising the sensation, he centred himself with a few steady breaths.

  His eyes frequently drifted to the window, where the leaves danced and twirled in the breeze. The garden beyond, with its lush foliage and profusion of blossoms, created a carefully maintained view.

  Would Sein come? Zeya pondered.

  If he’d summoned anyone else, he knew they would come. But her, he couldn’t be certain and certainty was what his mind craved. He’d always taken comfort in the steady rhythm of his days, the predictability that shaped his world. But since meeting Sein, that rhythm had slipped, derailed by unexpected ughter, sidelong gnces, and thoughts that wandered too far from duty.

  His attention turned inward to the room, tracing the delicate peacock feathers painted on the folding screen that partitioned the great expanse of the informal room into different areas. He continued to study the scene depicted on the screen. It was one of the ways he’d learnt to still his mind from his uncle. Focus on the present surroundings, moment by moment, naming the objects he saw.

  “Peacock, rock, tree, white flowers, mountains,” he said softly under his breath just as the front door opened and closed.

  Sein had arrived.

  “Sein,” Zeya called out, strolling to the front room. “I’m delighted you came.”

  Sein stood before a raised ptform in the centre of the room, on which rested a low table with a jade top. Around it were floor seats, each furnished with plump silk cushions and draped in exquisite woven cloth. She turned and curtsied gracefully.

  “Your note was vague and mysterious so I was intrigued.”

  “Well, I must say, I’m rather pleased to know I’ve managed to spark a bit of intrigue,” Zeya grinned noticing her pyful tone, then added, “Come with me to speak with Saw Win.”

  He waited for Sein to approach and motioned for her to go through a doorway heading into the informal room. He followed a few paces behind, his gaze scanning the daybed to see if he’d carelessly left any books scattered or a jacket draped over one of the dining chairs or left the door to his bedchamber opened. To his relief, Saw Win had once again tidied up after him, and the room appeared immacute.

  As they reached another doorway, it gave way seamlessly to a smaller space that led into a modest kitchen.

  Saw Win, alerted by the sound of their entrance, stood to receive them and greeted, “Your Highness. My Lady.”

  “This is Lady Sein,” Zeya made the introductions.

  Saw Win turned to Sein and bowed again, momentarily covering his eyes with his curly long fringe. Sein smiled warmly at the man.

  “Saw Win, repeat what you told me this morning to Lady Sein.”

  “His Highness asked me if I knew of anyone who might have knowledge about the tale of Spirit of War. I do not. However I do have a friend who is a friend of a spirit medium. This spirit medium is highly regarded for his ability to communicate with Spirit of War and he is the person to go to if you wish to receive blessings. He also conducts possession ceremonies to allow devotees to speak in person with the spirit.”

  Zeya met Sein’s eyes as she asked, “Is Your Highness thinking of communicating directly with Spirit of War?”

  “Exactly. You’ve read my thoughts. Saw Win will take us to this spirit medium. Will you come?”

  “Yes.”

  The eager expression on Sein’s face briefly vanished and was repced with a slight frown.

  Zeya assured her, “There’s no need to worry. Our families won’t have a clue. We’ll slip away from the pace without a soul noticing. Even Khin Yu, my guard, doesn’t know of our pns. It’s a complete secret.”

  “My Lady,” Saw Win spoke up. “I have taken the liberty to pick out suitable clothing for you to wear. It is best that My Lady and His Highness are inconspicuous in the streets of the capital.”

  “Absolutely,” Zeya said. “I’ll change my clothes too.”

  Saw Win took Sein through the servant quarters to one of the maids he knew shared her build; Someone who could lend suitable clothing for venturing into the city unnoticed.

  Back in his own bedchamber, Zeya undressed and changed into the pin clothes Saw Win had thoughtfully prepared. It was always a comfort, knowing he could rely on him for the smallest details. As Zeya finished buttoning his shirt, Saw Win reappeared to assist.

  “Will this do?”

  “For sure,” Saw Win grinned. “Dressed like that, Your Highness and Lady Sein could pass for one of those trendsetting couples.”

  Zeya gnced at the man with a raised eyebrow.

  Saw Win chuckled and continued, “Or perhaps a stylish young man out with his charming wife.”

  “Well, I’m relieved to hear the disguises will do the trick, though perhaps not as a couple. The st thing I’d want is to make Lady Sein feel even the slightest bit uncomfortable.”

  When Sein returned to the front room, now dressed in simple garments, Zeya stood waiting, his shoulder resting lightly against a pilr carved with gold-leafed tigers and elephants. He adjusted his sleeves absentmindedly, tightening the cuffs as his gaze followed the outline of Sein.

  There was grace to the way she moved, a striking elegance despite the pinness of her clothes. With her hair pulled back, revealing the contours of her face, she appeared older—serene, self-assured, and disarmingly lovely.

  “Perfect. Shall we go?” he quickly spoke up. “Saw Win, lead the way. But let’s depart from the south gate, away from Khin Yu’s eyes.”

  Grinning like mischievous boys embarking on an adventure, they led Sein to the south gate, passing beneath the archway of the pace wall and emerging onto the lively streets of the city. Sein cast them a stern gnce, but the brightness in her eyes betrayed her true feelings.

  As Saw Win was within earshot, Zeya remained reserved and formal.

  He enquired, “Are you well today, Lady Sein?”

  Sein recognised that tone at once. It was the way he addressed her in front of others and she responded appropriately, “I am very well. How about Your Highness?”

  “Very well also. Did you have a pleasant morning?”

  “Rather uneventful to be honest. Though I imagine Your Highness has had quite the opposite.”

  “I must admit, there’s always something to keep me on my toes. All the same, it’s rather nice to slip away from the pace for a moment and enjoy an afternoon as lovely as this one.”

  “It’s quite pleasant, considering it’s the hot season. The cloud cover seem to be keeping the temperature down. Not too hot to be outdoors at all. And the breeze is lovely.”

  Sein mentally sighed, wondering why she was even talking about the weather, as if that was the most fascinating thing she could offer in his presence.

  “Absolutely. Perfect temperature for a walk, wouldn’t you say? If it stays like this, we might even get away with spending the afternoon without completely melting.”

  “I’d welcome that, Your Highness.”

  “Indeed, Lady Sein.”

  Sein and Zeya exchanged a gnce, the corners of their mouths twitching with unspoken amusement, as if both had caught the same secret joke.

  Once their courteous exchange had ended, silence settled between them, as neither was willing to reveal their real familiarity in Saw Win’s presence. Eventually, the long pause was broken when Saw Win gnced around and commented, “People only have eyes for the beautiful dy.”

  Noticing the warmth spreading across Sein’s cheeks, Zeya jested, “Saw Win, stop that. You’re making Lady Sein blush.”

  “I’m not blushing,” Sein said trying to sound serious. “This is my natural healthy glow when I’m walking.”

  “If you say so,” Zeya said, sensing her pyfulness. Without thinking, he added, “Saw Win is right. We only have eyes for the beautiful dy.”

  Sein flicked a look his way and gave him ‘that’ smile.

  Their meeting with the Spirit Medium proved fruitless. The man insisted he could not summon Spirit of War during times of peace and prosperity, which meant the idea of speaking directly to Prince Amptu was impossible. At least for today. Disappointed, they strolled back towards the pace at an unhurried pace as the sun stretched long across the path.

  Now, the streets bustled with energy as the afternoon market peaked. Stalls stretched as far as the eye could see, piled high with tempting delicacies, vivid bolts of fabric, and curious trinkets. Hawkers cried their offers above the din, drawing Sein in. She paused, captivated by the vibrant array of produce and goods.

  Zeya observed her with delight, marvelling at her curious nature only to notice that she had become the centre of attention, as young men jostled to position themselves closer to her. One, tall and well-built, grinned with confidence as he approached. Zeya moved without hesitation, stepping directly into his path and meeting his gaze with cold authority. The man faltered and backed away. Naturally, he was protective of Sein because she was Thura’s sister, Zeya convinced himself. Though the thought of revealing their secret outing to her brother wouldn’t be on the cards.

  “You seem tempted by the food on offer,” Zeya remarked, his hand grazing her back as he steered her away from the crowd.

  “I do enjoy trying new things. Especially food.”

  “That’s reassuring to hear. Most people prefer the comfort of the familiar.”

  “I’m afraid I’m not like most people,” Sein responded, almost apologetically. “To be honest, I’ve a knack for wandering in the opposite direction to everyone else.”

  “Which is a good thing in my opinion,” Zeya assured her. “I must admit, it’s rather refreshing to find someone who doesn’t simply follow the crowd.”

  “Really?”

  “Absolutely. I’ve always admired those who stand on their own,” Zeya gazed at her. “Someone who is unique and know their own mind.”

  Her eyes met his and he could tell, his words pleased her.

  Back at the Crown Prince’s residence, with Sein now dressed once more in her own clothes, Zeya turned to her and asked, “Will you stay for some tea?”

  Sein nodded.

  “I had such high hopes for the spirit medium, but it seems I was overly optimistic. Honestly, who remembers what they ate st week, let alone a thousand years ago? Perhaps the better pn is to track down descendants of those who were close to Prince Amptu,” Zeya said. “Surely, someone, somewhere must know something.”

  He indicated to the daybed for Sein to sit. It had a low table in the middle with extra cushions on either side.Sein took her seat gracefully on one side, arranging her skirt with care, while Zeya stretched out comfortably on the other, his posture unguarded and rexed.

  “Knowing you’re in on unraveling this little mystery, I can’t help but feel… confident we’ll find the answers,” Sein said.

  “Absolutely. Though I must admit, it’s the chase I look forward to most. Reaching the destination is simply a pleasant excuse for the journey, wouldn’t you say?”

  A serving girl appeared, bringing a cquered tray bancing two porcein cups, each filled with a sparkling emerald liquid. After setting them down, she vanished without a word.

  Sein brought the cup to her lips, gave a gentle blow then took a slow sip. Her eyes fluttered shut as if caught in a spell. Then, to Zeya’s surprise, a quiet moan of delight slipped from her lips—subtle, unfiltered, and unexpectedly alluring.

  He took a quick sip of tea to calm himself and remarked, “I’m delighted you approve of the tea.”

  “The tea’s delicious,” Sein expined, her cheeks warming. “I’ve never had tea this good. I thought the tea at the Tea Hall was incredible but this is another level.”

  “This is from my mother’s personal tea reserves. The finest of the finest.”

  Saw Win approached, carrying a pte filled with delicate diamond-shaped confections, green and white yered, their glossy finish catching the light.

  With a knowing smile, he said, “A little sweet treat?”

  He set the pte down with care and offered a respectful bow.

  “What’s this, Saw Win,” Zeya quipped, noticing how the sweets were artfully arranged in the shape of a heart. “Are we trying to get into Lady Sein’s good graces?”

  “Certainly, Your Highness,” Saw Win said, pstered with a grin that revealed his obvious mischief. He bowed low, then left, clearly pleased with himself.

  “I think you might like these,” Zeya beckon for Sein to help herself. He watched her intently as she took one. She inspected it before taking a dainty bite.

  “Delicious,” Sein decred with delight. She paused for a moment, letting the fvours unfold on her tongue, then said with curiosity, “It’s… coconut… and pandan… and something else. What is it?”

  “One of the pace’s own creations. I have no idea what’s in it to be honest,” Zeya admitted with a grin. “It’s tremendously good, isn’t it? It’s one of my favourite treats.”

  He continued to observe her with satisfaction, pleased to see her enjoying it.

  “Are you not having any?”

  “I’m simply observing you, curious to see if you’ll make more of those delightful sounds,” Zeya jested.

  Sein gave him one of her stern looks and he ughed softly.

  Then he straightened up, and said sincerely, “You remind me how fortunate I am. You know, to have these treats all the time.”

  “You’re indeed lucky,” Sein said. “My mother disapproves of sweet treats. Ladies ought not to indulge too much. We must look after our figures.”

  Zeya sensed her agitation and offered, “Mothers can be terribly harsh, but I suppose only because they insist on us turning out properly.”

  Sein seemed lost in her own thoughts as she drank her tea slowly. Zeya continued, “Though sometimes, harsh words can make one feel that no matter what one does, it’s never quite good enough.”

  He hesitated, the memory of his father’s constant criticism pressing at the edge of his mind, always quick to point out mistakes, never a praise for his successes. When he gnced up, he caught Sein gazing at him. Her eyes were… studying him? She quickly looked else where.

  “We can’t please everyone all the time,” Sein spoke up. “We can only do the best we can.”

  “True enough,” Zeya sighed.

  He turned to follow her line of sight, out of the window where the soft light of dusk teased through the leafy canopy, the trees swaying gently as their shadows pyed across the grass.

  “It’s nearly supper time. I must return home before my mother sends out a search party.”

  “Perhaps you’d consider having supper with me one evening?” Zeya asked, his voice hopeful, wanting nothing more than to spend a bit more time with Sein.

  But as the words left his mouth, he realised how ambiguous it sounded.

  Hastily, he added, “I’d love a chance for a longer chat, though of course, you’re not obliged if it doesn’t appeal to you.”

  He cleared his throat as he recalled what Saw Win had said earlier to him.

  “Actually, I was thinking we could go out into the city, perhaps? You know, explore the neighbourhoods. There’s a particur street, renowned for its food stalls, and I’ve heard only the best things about the fare there. I thought, maybe, you might enjoy that? I certainly would. Does that interest you? Would you care to join me?”

  He stopped, inwardly cringing at how clumsy he sounded.

  Then, catching the brightness of her smile, he tilted his head and ventured, “Is that your yes face? You’re smiling, so that’s encouraging.”

  “Of course, I’d love to go, but it might be a little difficult to disappear for a whole evening without being noticed.”

  Zeya felt a wave of relief wash over him as he understood the reason behind her brief hesitation. It wasn’t due to misinterpreting his invitation or reluctance to spend time with him, but rather a reflection of the limitations pced upon dies, restrictions that lords were rarely subject to.

  “Do you by any chance attend the music evenings at the Audience Hall? Maybe we could disappear during one of those events,” Zeya suggested after some thought.

  “I’ve been to one before. That’s certainly a possibility. How about leaving the pace?”

  “Not a problem. We can trust Saw Win to help us slip away quietly. I’ve every confidence he’ll see to all the arrangements. Just say the word, and I’ll make it happen.”

  “How about the next music evening?”

  “Perfect. There’s usually one at the start of each month, which means next week,” Zeya said, standing up as Sein prepared to leave. “Shall I escort you home?”

  “Really there’s no need,” Sein said lightly. “I’m sure I can manage the long, arduous journey across the garden by myself.”

  Zeya chuckled, his gaze softening as he sensed the reluctance beneath her pyful words. Perhaps she didn’t wish her family to know about their budding friendship, and he understood. He himself hadn’t revealed to Thura that he was regurly meeting his sister.

  ***

  Zeya instructed his trusted steward to fetch Sein from the Audience Hall, where people were gathering to enjoy an evening of music performed by the city’s most gifted artists. He was already dressed in a simple shirt and slim trousers, waiting in the front room.

  As she entered, he offered a warm smile and said, “I’d have come to meet you myself, Sein, but I suspect I’d draw too much attention and slipping away quietly wouldn’t be so easy then.”

  “You made the right judgement as always,” Sein agreed, her voice soft and light. “I’ve taken care to wear something more appropriate. Hopefully I won’t stand out.”

  She untied the ribbon at her neck and slipped the cape off, revealing the simplicity of her attire. Even her hair was neatly tied back, her face glowing softly in the warm ntern light.

  “Though, it does feel strange to be out in my house clothes.” Her cheeks flushed a faint pink, betraying her discomfort.

  “You look perfectly fine,” Zeya insisted.

  To himself he thought, ’you look beautiful as always’.

  “Then I guess I’m ready.”

  “Shall we go? Saw Win has ensured the guards won’t speak a word of our departure. We can come and go as we please this evening. He’ll remain at the music event to make sure we aren’t missed, should anyone inquire after us.”

  As they departed the pace grounds, Sein asked, “How far away are the food stalls?”

  “It’s just a short stroll, I promise, nothing too perilous. The ne’s called Hsaba which means ‘to eat’ in the old tongue, which feels rather fitting, considering how spoilt for choice we’ll be. What do you fancy tonight? Food-wise, of course. Though I ought to warn you, I’m terribly distracting when sat across from a steaming bowl of noodles.”

  Zeya stopped the flow of words pouring out of him. Was he flirting? Surely not. He was simply being his usual pyful self, wasn’t he? Well, he hoped Sein hadn’t taken it too seriously.

  He mumbled, “I meant…”

  He didn’t know what he meant.

  Sein chuckled and politely remarked, “I suppose I’m now quite curious to see what’s more distracting; you or the noodles.”

  Seeing that she was pying along, Zeya said with a sheepish grin, “The noodles come highly recommended though to be honest, I think the company might be the real highlight this evening.”

  Sein gave him an arched eyebrow and he continued gleefully, “Don’t worry, I’ll do my best to behave. No more outrageous fttery... unless absolutely necessary.”

  “Really? And who should decide when it becomes necessary?”

  “Well, if it’s left to me, I’d decre it necessary every time you smile.”

  Sein did her best to subdue her grin and said sternly, “Is this what they teach you at prince school? Charm and fttery right before supper?”

  Feigning offence, Zeya replied, “I’ll have you know that’s called an advanced diplomatic technique.”

  He was about to say more, but gnced around and frowned.

  “Clearly, navigation wasn’t included in my princely curriculum. We’ve missed a left turn back there.”

  Sein ughed softly, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

  “Obviously even princes can’t be charming, dashing, and directional all at once.”

  Zeya joined in and said, “I’ll admit, being charming and dashing is a full-time job. Directions are merely a side hobby!”

  As they retraced their steps, Zeya became aware of the ntern lights spilling through shuttered windows, painting zebra stripes across their path. The murmur of conversations from passerby combined with the chirping of crickets pyed in the background.

  They walked in comfortable silence until he noticed Sein gncing sideways at him, her eyes catching his. Sensing a mix of emotions stirring within, he quickly averted his eyes to the street ahead. He wasn’t going to let his feelings take control.

  Scanning the surrounding, he noted the objects in his line of sight. Pnt pot. Window. Door. He named them in his head.

  The next right turn brought them to a lively street where a flow of people headed towards a small narrow ne in the distance. This was obviously where the food stalls were, judging by the charring smell of meat and fvourful steam of bubbling stews reaching their noses.

  “Here we are. Hsaba Lane in all its glory. Smells better than most state banquets, wouldn’t you say?”

  “Oh totally,” Sein agreed, her eyes lighting up as she inspected the nearest vendor. “What do you think this is, Zeya? Chicken skewers? They smell good.”

  “One way to find out,” Zeya moved forward to catch the attention of the store owner and ordered, “We’d like some of those fine meat skewers, sir.”

  The man gave a nod and indicated to the seats. Zeya motioned for Sein to sit, picking out two stools furtherest away from the people who were already eating at the long table.

  “After sampling these, I say we make our way to that one over there. Look at the crowd. It’s always a good sign.”

  “Alright,” Sein agreed. “What else shall we try?”

  “Everything until we can’t possibly eat any more.”

  “Really? Everything?”

  “Well, I’m quite determined to sample as many as humanly possible. What do you say? Are you game?”

  “Of course.”

  And there it was again, that delightful smile of hers.