“Quick, hide behind this tree.” 

Sein grabbed Zeya’s sleeve and pulled. He looked bewildered but decided to comply.

“Why are we hiding? Is this a ploy to stand a bit closer to me?” Zeya asked once they were behind the tree trunk. He gathered her train delicately, bringing her subtly closer to him.

Sein pressed a finger to her lips and flicked a look to silence him. Zeya’s teasing she could handle, that was familiar ground. It was when he turned genuinely thoughtful or attentive, she found herself off balance. 

Not wishing to expose their hiding place, she remained silent rather than offer a clever retort. Her attention moved to the two serving girls a short distance away, their steps brisk as they carried armfuls of freshly picked vegetables. 

When Sein glanced back, she caught Zeya idly looping her train around his arm, as though searching for a way to entertain himself. She shot him another stern look and tugged the fabric free, and Zeya let it slip from his grasp with a mischievous grin.

He leaned in to whisper, “Why exactly are we hiding from them?”

Sein didn’t answer until the two girls had walked away from earshot. 

Then she responded, “We can’t be seen together. Can you imagine the gossip?”

“Not at all, but I have every confidence in your judgment,” Zeya said, walking out from their hiding place. “Is it really so dreadful to be seen by my side?”

“…”

Sein was surprised by his question. She worried it might appear improper for them to be seen together. After all, people were so quick to make assumptions, weren’t they? Would it not tarnish his reputation? But then again, in his mind, they were simply friends, and friends being seen together was perfectly innocent. 

Before she could reply to Zeya, Sein noticed more people roaming in the vegetable garden. This time shouts of children were heard. 

Sein was exasperated and exclaimed, “Oh spirits, who is it now? Why's this garden so busy?” 

Zeya turned to her, he was grinning. 

“It’s my nieces and nephew. And my sister too. Come, I’ll introduce you to them.”

“No, I don’t wish to meet anyone,” Sein insisted, concerned that his sister might be able to read her true feelings for Zeya. It was a talent women seemed to share—the ability to spot another’s admiration for a man.

“It’s my sister, Princess Nu Hla. I’m certain she’ll take to you instantly. And I imagine you’ll find her quite likeable as well. She’s very much like me, in fact.” 

Zeya waited for Sein who was still refusing to budge. 

“My nephew and nieces are an absolute joy. I’ve no doubt they’ll be quite taken with you too.”

Sein shook her head and retreated back behind the tree. 

Zeya shrugged. “I must admit, I don’t quite understand your hesitation about meeting my family. But no matter, I’ll just dash over to greet them quickly. I won’t be long, and I’ll be right back with you.” 

He lightly jogged away before she could say another word.

Sein leaned back against the tree, listening to shrieks and laughter from the children. 

Zeya’s voice was clearly heard, “Quick, shall we hide. Nu Nu, count to a million. Don’t cheat.” 

Curious, Sein poked her head around the tree. The children were tiny, the youngest girl was probably three years old and the oldest, no more than five. The little boy was just starting to walk. Zeya took his tiny hands in his to steady him. 

Sein couldn't help but smile at the scene. But as she watched the children and Zeya, she realised they were heading directly for her. Alarmed, she scanned for another hiding place but there was no where to run or hide. 

She heard Zeya call out, “Come along and we shall hide with my friend.” 

The little girls came running around the tree and seeing Sein, rushed to her with crescent eyes. Tiny arms hugged her legs, as they giggled. 

“Oh, hello,” Sein said, instantly ruffled. 

Then turning to Zeya, she eyed him with unspoken words of ‘why have you brought them here?’ 

He understood her gesture, and with a mischievous grin, said, “Here we are. Lady Sein has chosen a perfect spot to hide.” 

He picked up the little boy with one arm and squeezed in close, but making sure they weren't touching. The girls continued to clutch Sein’s legs tightly, pulling at her skirt and train. She was truly trapped in a human huddle.

The girls let out another squeal of joy. 

Zeya hushed them, “Shush… don’t let your mother find us.” 

Then glancing at Sein, he whispered, “What is it? You look a little flustered.”

“I’m not flustered,” Sein gave him one of her stern looks.

“If you say so.” 

Zeya was clearly teasing her. 

“Perhaps you might appreciate a cuddle from Hein Soe.” 

He passed the little boy into her arms. The boy’s hands happily grasped Sein’s long locks.

Sein wanted to protest but she had to admit the little boy was gorgeous, with rosy, chubby cheeks. The temptation was too much, and she gave one of the pudgy cheeks a gentle squeeze. Hein Soe pulled at her hair in retaliation.

“No, Hein Soe. Don’t pull Lady Sein’s hair.”

A delicate and fair voice called, “Is there somebody hiding behind this tree?” 

The girls screamed and rushed out, releasing Sein. 

“There you are my little gems. Where is your naughty uncle?”

Zeya stepped out and announced, “Naughty uncle is right here with his friend, Lady Sein.”

Reluctantly, Sein followed suit, still carrying Hein Soe. 

She tried to curtsy and said, “Your Highness.” 

Hein Soe, seeing his mother, immediately cried out for her. Princess Nu Hla took the boy in her arms, hooking him on the side of her hips. 

“It is rare to meet a friend of my brother’s. I am delighted, Lady Sein.”

Sein was surprised by Princess Nu Hla’s petite frame, who looked up at her. She had an attractive face with delicate features, and large amber eyes, clearly inheriting her looks from the King's side. 

“It is a pleasure to meet Your Highness,” Sein returned, masking her unease when she spotted another lady  standing discretely behind the Princess. She was tall and elegantly dressed, her head bowed while holding the long train from the princess’ skirt. 

Sein’s cheeks warmed a little, realising Zeya had been carrying her train like a lady-in-waiting. Was there any significance to his gesture and remarks? Perhaps beneath the guise of friendship, did he also desire more?

“I am pleased my brother has made a good friend. I have not seen him this happy in a long while.” 

Princess Nu Hla’s voice snapped her back to the moment. She noticed Zeya exchange a meaningful glance with his sister. Princess Nu Hla merely blinked, her expression giving nothing away. 

“Very well, I shall leave you to enjoy the garden. Lady Sein, I hope we will meet again. Zeya, do take care of your friend.”  

“Absolutely,” Zeya said, folding his arms. 

He seemed a little annoyed but his mood shifted when the children came rushing to hug his legs before running off.

Sein curtsied again, not knowing what to make of Princess Nu Hla’s comments. The princess turned and waved as she walked away, her lady-in-waiting trailing behind.

When they were out of earshot, Sein said, “Your sister is lovely. And your nieces and nephew are so adorable.”

“Absolutely, adorable in small doses,” Zeya grinned. 

Then his face turned serious, though there was an unmistakable trace of playfulness.

”See? What did I tell you? My sister liked you. Honestly, was it really so dreadful meeting my family?" 

Sein didn't reply, instead gave him another of her stern looks, but a hint of a smile betrayed her seriousness.

After gathering a handful of herbs Sein recognised, they walked among the towering camphor trees, their ancient trunks cloaked in patches of moss. Here and there, tiny plants sprouted from the weathered bark, adding life to the centuries-old giants. Their steps slowed as they reached one camphor tree, the tallest and most majestic of them all, its sprawling branches casting a vast canopy overhead.

“How curious this little hairy plant is growing here.” 

Zeya reached out towards the trunk. Before he could touch the leaf, Sein grabbed his outstretched hand.

“It looks like a type of Urticaceae,” she warned. “I think it’s a stinger plant.” 

Zeya remained silent so Sein turned to him. His eyes drifted to where her hand held his, and the moment she realised, she released him at once.

“Pardon me,” Sein said, feeling embarrassed she’d acted without thinking. 

She had tugged his sleeve on occasion, but to take his hand directly, was that too forward? Had she overstepped? After all, he was the Crown Prince. He’d always been careful not to touch her. She reprimanded herself. 

“I didn’t want you to get stung,” she explained.

Zeya grinned and said, “Much appreciated. Is the sting from this plant lethal?”

“No but it’s described as being very unpleasant. It doesn’t usually grow on trees. I’m surprised to see it here.” 

Sein examined the other camphors near by and was puzzled.

“I didn’t think it can grow on a tree trunk.”

“Perhaps a freak of nature,” Zeya suggested. 

He stood with his hands behind his back, calmly observing Sein. 

“Now what are you searching for?” 

He followed her, walking at a steady pace. Sein was darting here and there, weaving around the trees and bending down to examine the trunk.

“I’m looking for the antidote plant. It’s suppose to grow near the stinger, according to my research,” Sein replied. “The leaves are crushed into a paste to relieve the sting. It looks like a weed.”

“A weed? What does this weed look like?” 

After describing what she knew, they spread out searching for the plant, combing through the surroundings for any sign of it.

“Is this what you speak of?” Zeya asked, approaching her. 

He reached out and took one of Sein’s hands, and placed a broadleaf on her palm. His warm hand gently held hers, his touch causing her heart to gallop.

Was he being familiar with her now simply because she’d touched his hand first? She wished her pulse would stop racing and her mind would calm itself. Plenty of lords had taken her hand before, yet her body had never reacted like this. Why now? She felt like a girl on the verge of a surprise, caught between anticipation and delight. 

Drawing in a steady breath, she said, “Yes, where did you find it?” 

“It was near the hedge,” Zeya replied, his hand still holding hers. Sein felt her cheeks glowing with warmth. “Would you like me to show you where it was?” 

Sein nodded. 

“Come with me."