They left shortly after finding out they wouldn’t be able to achieve their goal. Nevertheless, Zeya left generous amount of gold coins as donations for their visit. When he saw the enquiring look on Sein’s face by his act of charity, he shrugged. 

“Well, you never know,” he explained, when they were outside again. “We may well need his assistance down the line. My uncle always says, take it as a ‘not yet’ rather than a ‘never’ and be sure to leave a good impression while you’re at it.” 

“Your uncle’s advice is always spot on,” Sein commented, wishing she had a smart uncle to advise her. “And you’re right, perhaps Lan Shin may be able to help us in the future, should Spirit of War embody him again.”

“Exactly. For the moment, it appears we've hit a bit of a dead end,” Zeya said. “But I’ve no doubt we’ll find another way forward. There always is one, usually hiding in plain sight, waiting for us to trip over it.”

“Totally,” Sein chuckled, catching the prince’s optimism. “There’s always more than one path. Perhaps we can find someone who’s a super devotee of Spirit of War. Would that be your father?”

Zeya shook his head and replied, “I suspect my father knows little beyond what is commonly believed. He learned from the same source as everyone else. We’ll have to continue our search for someone outside the palace walls.” 

The three walked back weaving through the bustling streets as the late afternoon market was in full swing. 

Rows of stalls stretched endlessly before them, offering a mix of culinary delights, vibrant rolls of fabric, and a diverse assortment of knick-knacks. Many sellers shouted out their wares, attracting Sein’s attention and she paused to peer at the produce on offer. 

On a few occasions, Zeya blocked the path of young men clearly admiring Sein, his icy gaze delivering a message. They quickly understood his meaning and backed away. Sein was oblivious to any of this, her sole attention was focused on Zeya.

Once they arrived at the Crown Princes’ quarters, Sein changed into her own clothes, thanking the serving girl and Saw Win for their assistance. 

Zeya was waiting for her when she returned through the kitchen. He asked, “Will you stay for some tea?” 

Sein simply nodded.

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

He motioned toward the daybed for Sein to sit. A low table occupied its centre, with extra cushions on either side for added comfort. Sein sat down on one side and Zeya reclined leisurely on the other.

“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?”

Before Sein could think of a playful response, tea was brought out on a lacquered tray by the serving girl. She saw that the tea was northern style, and the cups sparkled with emerald liquid. She took a sip, her eyes closed in bliss, and a gentle moan escaped from her lips like a purr of pure contentment.

“….” 

When she opened her eyes, Zeya was looking wide-eyed. 

Recovering quickly, he said with a broad grin, “I’m delighted you approve of the tea.”

Sein’s cheeks coloured as she realised she’d been too vocal with her pleasure. It was simply too embarrassing for words but she felt the need to explain quickly. 

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

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

Their conversation paused as Saw Win approached. He was carrying a plate full of what looked like diamond-shaped green and white jewels, arranged in a subtle heart shape. 

Flashing a warm smile, he said, “A little sweet treat?” 

He set the plate on the table and bowed.

“What’s this, Saw Win,” Zeya jested. “Are we trying to get into Lady Sein’s good graces?”

“Certainly, Your Highness,” Saw Win responded, with a cheeky grin. He bowed once more before leaving the pair.

“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. 

Sure enough, her eyes lit up and she exclaimed, “Delicious.” After another nibble, she mused, “It’s… coconut… and pandan… and something else. What is it?”

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

He appeared relaxed, sitting up with his chin propped up on one hand, as he continued to gaze at Sein.

“Are you not having any?”

With a boyish glee, Zeya replied, “I’m simply observing you, curious to see if you’ll make more of those delightful sounds.” 

Sein gave him one of her stern looks and he laughed 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.” 

She thought better of ranting and stopped.

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

Sein raised her cup to her lips, savouring the last sip of the tea. 

Zeya continued thoughtfully, “Though sometimes, harsh words can make one feel that no matter what one does, it’s never quite good enough.” 

Sein was surprised by this. 

How can Zeya ever feel not good enough? 

Her eyes traced the gentle curve of his Cupid's bow, lingering on the slightly fuller contour of his lower lip, when she realised too late that he’d caught her admiring. She quickly shifted her focus to the scenery around them, her demeanour studiously nonchalant. 

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

“True enough,” Zeya sighed. 

They both gazed out through the window, watching the soft fading light filter through the leaves, casting shadows on the grass. 

Sein realised it was getting late and said, “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. 

Seeing Sein hesitate, he continued, “I'd love a chance for a longer chat, though of course, you’re not obliged if it doesn’t appeal to you. Actually, I was thinking we could go out into the city, perhaps? You know, explore the neighbourhoods. There’s a particular 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?”

Sein let Zeya waffle for a while, curious to watch him lose his usual composure, before she couldn't help but break into a joyful smile. 

He paused and asked, “Is that your yes face? You’re smiling so that’s encouraging.”

Naturally, she wanted to spend more time with him. Her heart was caught in a whirlwind being asked to dine out. 

Oh, get a grip! You’re just a friend to him, Sein scolded herself. 

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

She couldn't possibly tell her parents she had dinner plans with the Crown Prince.

Zeya understood her concerns. Ladies didn’t have the same kind of liberties as the lords. 

“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,” Sein agreed, wondering if Zeya took other friends out to dine. “How about leaving the palace?”

“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.”