Despite desiring to find the missing scroll, Sein didn’t have the heart to search the whole of the Archives. She continued reading the history scrolls on King San, wondering if Zeya would come once more. She wanted to tell him the next instalment in history. 

Soon a week passed, and she resided to herself it was unlikely she’d see the Crown Prince again. However her view of him had changed drastically during those two encounters. Thura had been right, of course. She’d been hasty in her judgement of the Crown Prince without knowing him personally.

One morning, as the wet season was coming to an end, there was no sign of rain. The curtain of clouds parted, revealing an azure backdrop. Sein ventured into the palace gardens, breathing in the refreshing scent of petrichor. The leaves were pristine, and the grounds glistened, mirroring the lush foliage of the trees.

It began as a pleasant walk, however her silent contemplation was interrupted by a man’s voice. It was Lord Myat, a friend of the family. He waved to her and she paused. 

“Lady Sein,” he greeted her. 

He was a little taller than Sein, well built with broad shoulders. He had once been a part of Thura’s training group, and was similar in age to her brother.

“What are you doing, Lady Sein?” Lord Myat asked with a broad grin. 

Although he was fair to behold, he carried a grandiose sense of self-importance. Sein disliked him but as a family friend, she felt obliged to converse with him.

I’m walking, what does it look like!

 Sein wished she could be blunt but thought better of speaking her mind. She ought to be scrupulously polite. 

“I am returning to my apartment,” she responded, feeling a sense of wariness in his presence.

Lord Myat put his hand out and said, “May I escort you to your home?” 

Sein hesitated and returned politely, “There is no need, Lord Myat. I am sure you have more important things to attend to.”

“Nothing is more important than seeing Lady Sein return home safely,” Lord Myat insisted, hand still outstretched towards her. 

“You need not concern yourself with my safety. We are, after all, in the palace grounds. I am certain there are no tigers lurking in the bushes here.”

“Indeed, My Lady,” Lord Myat said, laughing just a beat too long, causing Sein to cringe inwardly. 

He was the kind of man who treated every refusal as an invitation to persist. 

“I am also on my way to visit your family. It is fate that we are heading to the same destination.” 

She glanced at his pale, outstretched hand, not bothering to mask her disdain, and reluctantly offered her own. 

Lord Myat had been introduced to Sein by her mother. He was unmarried at twenty five and was looking to settle down. He’d always had an eye on Sein, having seen her when she came to find Thura during a training session. He was keen on her but she showed no interest in him. The match wasn’t made.

There was silence as Lord Myat strolled beside Sein, his hand firmly grasped hers. Brilliant display of flowers on either side of the path, guided them like a runway. Sein’s eyes flashed her obvious disdain for the lord, as she put on a haughty air.

“The garden is indeed delightful at this time of year, and it’s even more enjoyable with Lady Sein’s company,” Lord Myat said, with a dazzling smile.

“…”

“We are fortunate are we not, to take a walk surrounded by wondrous beauty. And it is an utter pleasure to have a beautiful lady such as yourself by my side.”

“…”

Sein remained silent, bottling up the not-so-polite replies threatening to spill out. She was relieved to be near the entrance leading to the palace compound, eager to escape any further attempts at flattery. 

But just before they reached the gate, Lord Myat stopped abruptly, as if struck by a sudden thought. He turned to Sein, a mischievous smile spreading across his face. She remained stern, not wishing to encourage him. 

“Lady Sein.” 

Lord Myat drew her close to him and an arm slid around her waist. Sein immediately pulled away but his hand was cuffed to hers, imprisoning her in his arms.

“Lord Myat, let go of me at once,” Sein demanded, highly agitated. 

Lord Myat refused and said, “Lady Sein, we have known each other for some time now. Might I take this opportunity to express my admiration.” 

Sein had endured enough of his mistreatment. With a surge of fury, she shoved him away, and he released his grip. As she turned to leave, he seized her arm, yanking her back. She spun around, her eyes shooting arrows at him.

“You are even more beautiful when you are angry.” 

Lord Myat let out a small laugh. 

“Please do not be mad at me. I am only saying what is true.” 

“Let go of me, Sir,” Sein managed, keeping her voice even and composed. 

She was one breath away from showing him just how accurate her aim could be but that wouldn’t be ladylike. Only sheer willpower kept her foot grounded.

“Of course, My Lady,” Lord Myat said, his eyes sly. 

He let go of her arm, but grabbed her hand instead, then firmly pressed his lips to it. 

The white gate opened in that instance, out strode the Crown Prince followed by Khin Yu. Lord Myat let his hand drop away from Sein’s, freeing her. 

“Ah… Lord Meyuck,” Zeya began, then greeted Sein with a quick neck bow, “Lady Sein.” 

Sein was taken aback by the Crown Prince’s sudden appearance as she wrestled with her emotions. She was furious and couldn’t possibly speak in her current state.

“Er…Your Highness, it is Myat. Not Meyuck.” 

Sein caught a fleeting glimmer of satisfaction on Zeya’s face, betraying that his mispronunciation of Lord Myat’s name was no accident, but rather a cleverly veiled insult.

“Lord Myat, just the person," Zeya said, a fake smile on his lips. He inclined his head towards Khin Yu and continued, “Khin Yu, I believe you were seeking Lord Myat to take him to the palace for a meeting.”

Khin Yu looked momentarily confounded. He quickly caught on, “Indeed, Your Highness.” 

He bowed to Lord Myat and requested, “Would My Lord please come this way. There is… a guest… at the palace awaiting, my lord.” His voice was a little strained but Lord Myat didn’t notice. 

The lord gave a nod of acknowledgment, seemingly pleased someone was requesting for him and said, “Excuse me, Your Highness. Lady Sein.” 

He bowed before following Khin Yu back through the garden path.

By this time, Sein had regained her composure. She curtsied and said, “Your Highness.”

Zeya eyed her for a moment with an unreadable expression and began, “I happened to see you with Lord Myat. He did not seem to be behaving… honourably,” Sein looked at him in surprise. “I hope I was not out of line to intervene.”

“…”

Sein was at a loss for words, mortified by the thought Zeya had witnessed what transpired earlier. She was grateful for the interruption; it spared her from having to defend herself. She could have done so easily, of course, but it would only have caused Lord Myat to lose face. And she certainly did not need to be rescued by the Crown Prince.

“Are you betrothed to Lord Myat?”

“Definitely not!” Sein responded, a little sharply. 

For some reason, the question angered her. At the same time she realised she was speaking with the Crown Prince and should behave appropriately. 

Simmering down, she said in a neutral tone, “Pardon me, Your Highness. I am needed at home. I shall take my leave.” 

She curtsied again and hurried through the gate.