The hour passed quickly with idle chat and banter, including a few playful passes from Eleanor. Outside the room, guards occasionally patrolled the area, a sign of the heavier security around the palace. Overall, breakfast went rather well.

Everything felt so terribly normal that when they finished their meal, and Zhen Xue wandered to the balcony alone, he had to wipe away the tears that threatened to spill from his eyes. His resolve to fix Calisaya was even stronger now. He wouldn’t leave Cassanova without knowing his siblings were safe.

The wind blew across his face, drawing his attention to the green pasture and the city far into the distance. The view was beautiful from this height. For a moment, he marveled at the scene, finding comfort in the unknown. “You can come out now,” he whispered into the soft breeze. “I know you’re there.”

A slim black figure immediately dropped onto the balcony beside him. Ming Yi grumbled, crossing his arms. “You know, your intuition at knowing when I’m around has become impressive, scary, and annoying.” He lifted himself onto the railing, sitting with his back facing the edge. “Even from the time we met, you always knew when I was around. It made keeping track of you a living hell.”

Zhen Xue shook his head, laughing at their reoccurring argument. “It’s hard never not to notice you, my friend.”

For a reason unknown to Zhen Xue, Ming Yi’s bandaged hands tightened on the railing at his sides. The bandage material looked worn, with the thread coming loose. 

He must’ve been practicing with his sword again. 

“Dianxia...” his voice sounded almost regretful.

Ah, this was awkward. To not stand in silence, he revealed the plate of food behind his back that he brought him. 

Ming Yi shifted his gaze from him to the food, eyes widening at the sight. 

Zhen Xue attempted to explain, “I tried to get as much as I could, but Lillian and William have always had an enormous appetite. If you’re not hungry, that’s fine too,” he added. 

Ming Yi ignored him and took the plate. He sat on the railing, devouring the entire plate within a minute. 

Zhen Xue stared at him, wondering if he was really that hungry. He had felt guilty eating in front of him before, so the fact he was eating now was a relief. Words slipped from his mouth before he could stop them. “Remind me again when we met?”

Ming Yi’s brief pause didn’t go unnoticed by Zhen Xue. “A long time ago,” he said in thought. His green gaze was as gentle as ever, but carried a hidden weight. “It’s not exactly a pleasant memory for you. That was the last time you saw your birth mother.”

“Oh...” he said, having not expected that answer. Well, that was most likely true. He couldn’t remember his character’s experiences before he came into this world. “What was she like?”

It’s commonly known that the king’s second wife was a mystery. Ming Yi’s green gaze looked out over the balcony. “Kind. She loved you, but she didn’t want you to be around the war. The palace was safer than on the streets. I still remember when she handed you to me, wrapped in a bundle of cloth. I thought to myself... this boy will be king someday. From that moment, I wanted to ensure your success, but those were different times. I’m no longer sure taking you to the palace was the right choice. I feel like I’ve brought you into a cage.”

“It’s not your fault. I would’ve ended up here somehow.”

“It is my fault,” he replied quietly. “Every time I see you suffer... it breaks me.”

A lump caught in Zhen Xue’s throat. “Ming Yi...”

Instead of continuing the subject, Ming Yi hopped down, approaching him until he’s backed against the wall. His free hand extended, resting beside his head while the other held the empty plate between them. With a darkening gaze, he asked in a lower voice, “Will you feed me some more, Dianxia?”

“Of course not. That’s all I got,” he stated. 

“If you say so.” Ming Yi stepped away disappointed, casually leaping over the railing in one smooth movement.

“Wait a minute!” Zhen Xue exclaimed, rushing forward to search for him. “Get back up here and help me down or by the gods I’ll jump myself!”

“You can fall anytime you want, Dianxia. I’ll always catch you,” he said with his usual calm voice, as though Zhen Xue falling was something he long since accepted.

Why did that sound more like an invitation for him to try? He wanted to shout his refusal, but another part of him desired to prove to himself that he could go against his fears. Before he could make a choice, a third voice joined in their commotion.

“Are we at this again?” Xu Yang lamented dryly. It didn’t take long for Zhen Xue to find him observing the familiar scene from his bedroom balcony a few floors below. “Hurry and jump to get it out of your system. I don’t have all day.”

The railing was already cold and wet from the remains of snow. Thus, he let his hands slip, allowing himself to plummet into a free fall. 

The wind stung at his face and pulled at his clothes, but he enjoyed the experience unlike before when he feared falling on his own. In fact, the idea of shedding his skin and plunging into the unknown excited him.

Ming Yi caught him as promised, immediately tightening his hold around his back and under his legs. The sunlight reflected in his green eyes, causing Zhen Xue to stare with a faint smile. The multicolored hues within Ming Yi’s gaze swirled back at him with a look akin to pride and devotion.

“I need you to watch over my brother while I take care of some business.” As expected, Ming Yi’s expression fell instantly. “Don’t give me that look!” Zhen Xue squirmed in his arms until he’s put down. He looked like a lost puppy that Zhen Xue just kicked. Zhen Xue couldn’t help but sigh. “I have a bad feeling something will happen to him while I’m gone. Besides, I’ll be safe where I’m going. Please, just do this for me.”

Ming Yi folded his arms, turning away. “I knew I shouldn’t have taken the food. You’re so cruel, Dianxia.”

“Yeah, yeah. You can give me an ear full later.” Zhen Xue smiled at him, ruffling his hair like he used to do when they were children. It felt odd now Ming Yi was taller than him, but he just had this urge to comfort him. “I won’t be long.”

“Alright,” he said, half turning around. “But be careful.”