As Sein stood in Zeya's embrace, nestled in his arms, a sense of belonging bloomed in her chest. His acceptance of who she was, and the knowledge that he cherished her filled the empty places within her.
In that moment she felt grounded, as if tethered to the here and now, to the simple joy of being alive.
But the truth that she was a spirit and he was a mortal pierced her heart. One day he would grow old and leave this world, while she would remain, bound to eternity without him.
That day hasn't come yet,she told herself.
She drew her thoughts back to the man holding her, anchoring herself in the warmth of his embrace, the strength of his arms around her waist.
A gentle breeze stirred around them, and for a fleeting moment the world felt perfect. If only time could pause and let them remain like this forever.
"Well, I suppose we'd best return to camp," Zeya said at last, releasing her and taking her hand. "And see what Khin Yu has done with Htun."
"Do you mean that man who tried to attack you?" Sein asked as they walked back towards the river.
"Yes, the very one you stopped with your spiritual power."
Zeya paused and glanced at her, pride shining in his eyes.
"Quite remarkable, really," he continued. "Your powers, I mean. Though, to be honest, I mean you."
Sein smiled at his words and gave his hand a small squeeze.
The main company of men, having taken the southwestern route, arrived at the junction of the Three Rivers during the afternoon. As the sun dipped towards the horizon, they made camp beside the steady currents of the Ayegyi River.
Teams, honed by years of discipline, swiftly secured the perimeter before assembling training stations and kindling fires that sent tendrils of smoke curling into the cooling air. Supplies were swiftly unpacked as patrols were deployed to maintain surveillance along the water.
The sheer number of the General's men, armed and vigilant, left no room for doubt. The message was clear: any act of defiance would be crushed without hesitation.
As Cetan and his men arrived with their captives, the company wasted no time erecting a heavily guarded holding area, repurposing a section of the camp into a fortified prison.
This was where Zeya led Sein, holding her hand as he guided her past the warriors gathered in small groups as the day's training came to an end. Being among his men, Zeya was greeted with bows and nods of acknowledgement. But the attention of so many eyes made Sein uneasy, and she discretely slipped her hand from his grasp.
Ahead, she spotted the man Zeya called Htun kneeling on the ground, kowtowing before Cetan and Khin Yu. From what she could hear, they were clearly in the midst of interrogating him.
At the sight of the General, Cetan signalled to Khin Yu and stepped away from the questioning.
As Cetan approached, it was obvious he was troubled, though the furrow in his brow eased when Zeya greeted him with a smile.
"Cetan, allow me to properly introduce Lady Sein," Zeya began. "You may speak freely. I trust her with my life."
Cetan bowed his head in acknowledgement. He didn't seem entirely surprised by the introduction.
"Lady Sein, it's a pleasure."
"Likewise, Lord Cetan," Sein returned.
From the look that passed between Cetan and Zeya, she sensed there was a close friendship between them. She wondered how much he knew of her.
Once the pleasantries were over, Cetan's expression grew serious.
"General, I'm to blame for failing to ensure Htun was not armed," Cetan said, bowing low. "Forgive me."
"Cetan, all is well," Zeya said. Flicking a glance towards Sein, he added, "It appears I have the protection of a powerful spirit, which rather makes arrows and swords ineffective."
Cetan raised an eyebrow, clearly noting the unspoken exchange between them.
"I'm curious to know what kind of potent charm or amulet you possess, General," he said, "From what Htoo reported, that attack was a near miss."
Khin Yu strode over to them, drawing their attention to him.
"Sir, I'm afraid we haven't been able to obtain anything more from Htun," he said.
"Yes, he's proving to be a tough coconut to crack," Cetan added, folding his arms. "He's willing to die by my hand than reveal the identity of the person who is coordinating the attacks. Is it loyalty or is it fear?"
"I believe he truly doesn't know," Zeya remarked.
"Maybe you're right, General. However, there is something worth noting. The men wearing black robes and gold headgear are all devotees of Spirit of Prosperity."
At the mention of Spirit of Prosperity, Sein and Zeya exchanged a quick glance.
"Spirit of Prosperity you say?" Zeya said. "How fascinating."
"Hell, they've been praying their arses off. It's just an observation we've made."
Cetan shook his head.
"Even Htun has been muttering a prayer of his own. Like how's Spirit of Prosperity going to help them in this situation?"
"What spirit they follow is of little consequence," Khin Yu spoke up. "They can pray to whomever they wish."
"Indeed, but I thought I'd mention it," Cetan said.
"I do think it's worth noting, Cetan," Zeya said. "And what about Pein? What intelligence has he gathered?"
"Nothing new to add to what we already know," Cetan replied. "However, General Lang has sent word. He was rather put out that we thought he'd failed to keep northerners from crossing the border. He assures us none have passed without his notice. And he insists that the Northern Kingdom is not causing the unrest.The culprits are from the Central Plains."
"As we suspected," Khin Yu pointed out. "Spreading rumours about the North intending to invade was a clever way to divert our attention from our own backyard."
"Yes cunning," Cetan agreed, bitterness creeping into his voice. "I strongly suspect this entire conflict has been about trade. Some will stoop to any depth for a larger sack of rice."
Cetan and Khin Yu both glanced at Zeya for his opinion.
"My instinct tells me there's more to this than a simple battle for trade dominance," Zeya said after a moment's thought. "Htun spoke of gold being offered as payment. Messages were sent in various forms. It sounds to me like someone who already holds significant power."
"Someone from nobility, then," Khin Yu suggested.
"Perhaps," Zeya said. "Though the motive isn't clear to me."
He glanced at Sein. She felt a little out of place being present and remained silent.
"I've already made the decision to return to the capital and report our findings to my father," Zeya continued. "It's become clear to me that the clues point back to someone within those walls. And given that Htun and his men appear to be devoted followers of Spirit of Prosperity, I believe the best place to begin is by speaking with my mother. She's deeply attuned to those circles and will know exactly who the most devout among them are. With any luck, one of them may hold a reason that makes sense of all this."
"Right, General," Cetan said. "I shall take command in your absence. What are your orders for the men here?"
"Carry out patrols on all trade routes to ensure there're no further disruptions. Make sure the captives are closely guarded. Given Htun's behaviour, we cannot trust them to return home. Put them to work until we resolve this matter, and make certain none escape. We must prevent the true culprit from discovering that we have foiled their attempts at deception."
"Very well, General."
Cetan bowed, then swiftly departed.
"Might I be right in assuming we will remain here tonight?" Khin Yu spoke up.
"Exactly," Zeya said with a nod. "Let Saw Win know of our plans when he arrives. The four of us will ride back to the capital tomorrow."
"Perhaps travelling by water might suit us better," Sein spoke up, her eyes drifting to the powerful currents of the Ayegyi. "It would be faster than taking the road."
Zeya and Khin Yu shifted their gaze towards the water.
"We shall be taking the river tomorrow." Zeya broke into a smile. "Khin Yu, see if you can secure a couple of boats for us."
"As you wish, Your Highness."
Khin Yu didn't look happy. He wasn't fond of water.
Those who were at the inn finally arrived well into the night, their off-key singing forming a merry chorus to a well-known childish rhyme. Clearly in high spirits, they settled into the camp with infectious enthusiasm. Many of the men were glad to see their comrades and eagerly continued catching up on each other's news.
"This will be our last night out in the forest," Zeya said, pulling Sein's sleeve playfully.
She stepped close to him but restrained herself from showing any affection, conscious of the men around them. It was a habit to conceal her true feelings for him in public.
"That's a shame. I've just started getting used to sleeping out in nature, next to you," Sein teased, then turning serious, asked, "What will become of Kyaw and Soe now?"
"It's really up to them," Zeya replied. "There's no imminent threat from the north or south. They're free to return home or join the military. It's their decision."
Sein scanned the surrounding, searching for Kyaw and Soe.
"Have you grown rather attached to them?" Zeya asked.
"I have rather. They're my sworn brothers. But you're right, it's up to them what they'll do next. I'll speak to them tomorrow."
Sein giggled, glancing over to where Kyaw and Soe were stumbling around, making their way to a spot, not far from them.
"They're totally drunk right now."
Then in a hushed tone, she asked, "Shall I make our bed?"
"Absolutely." Zeya smiled.
Sein spread a blanket beneath a tree in a quiet spot away from the main camp. With practised ease, she channelled her cloth power, shaping the fabric into soft, cushioned bedding, just as she had done before.
They lay down beside one another. Zeya turned onto his side, propping his head on one arm.
"Are you using your power to make this blanket comfortable?"
"Of course. Is it not as comfortable as your own bed?"
Sein rolled onto her side to face him.
"Your power is extraordinary," Zeya said, then leaned in close to ask, "What other remarkable abilities do you possess? Can you, perhaps, see through clothing? Or even make it vanish altogether?"
Sein gave him one of her stern looks. "Would you like me to try it on you?"
"Perhaps you ought to test the vanishing part on yourself first," Zeya suggested in his most sincere voice before breaking into a broad grin.
Then he wiggled a little closer to her.
"I must admit, lying next to you has been a torment," he confessed. "I've longed to hold you close."
Sein grasped his shirt and pulled him closer to her until his face was mere inches away. She felt his breath on her face, then his nose brushed against hers.
Summoning her cloth power, she extended the blanket beneath them, pulling it over to shield them from the world.
"Don't torment yourself. Hold me," she coaxed. "No one can-"
Before she could finished the sentence, Sein felt his lips press firmly against hers, a touch filled with both desire and affection. His hand slid into her hair, cupping the back of her head and holding her gently in place.
Soe was sitting up at this point, stretching his arms as he felt his head finally settling. He glanced over to where the General and Bayin were lying.
Seeing they were under a blanket together, he hovered over Kyaw and asked, "What's goin' on over there, ya reckon?"
"Stop gawking at them," Kyaw replied lazily. He didn't open his eyes as he lay on his back.
"What they doing?" Soe watched with fascination at the two forms under the blanket. "Old man, are ya awake?"
"Yeah, dummy," Kyaw answered, a hand motioning to shoo Soe away. "The handsome General's with his pretty lady."
"What!?"
"Now you know, turn away, dummy. Give them some privacy."
"But-"
"No buts. Go to sleep."
Sein felt Zeya press closer until she could almost feel his every heartbeat. His hand loosened its grip from her head. Instead, his fingers stroked the warm skin at her neck before going bolder, tracing the elegant line of her waist, skimming over her stomach, sending a shiver of delight through her.
Then, just as suddenly, he drew back from her lips, leaving her breathless in the space between them.
"You have a toned body," he murmured. "Have you been training?"
"I suppose I have. I've ruined my feminine softness."
"Not at all. I wouldn't wish to change you for all the wonders of the world," Zeya assured her, drawing her close again.
His lips found the curve of her neck, kissing her softly at first. Then she felt the faint scrape of his teeth, a fleeting pressure that sent her pulse racing, as his hand wandered, lingering where it shouldn't.
Almost at once, he seemed to realise what he was doing. He stilled then pulled back, breath uneven as he forced himself to stop.
"I cannot lie next to you," he admitted. "It's proving to be too much of a challenge to keep my hands off you. Perhaps it's best if I let you sleep while I join the men on watch."
Sein wound her arms tightly around Zeya's neck, holding him there and refusing to let him pull away. She drew him back to her and sealed his lips with hers.
To be desired, truly desired by Zeya, was something she'd longed for all these years. The craving coursing through her felt like a hunger that needed to be met, and she clung to him, unwilling to let go.
"You really should stop being so mischievous," Zeya murmured when their lips parted. "You know perfectly well how much I want you."
At those words, Sein felt willing to give herself to him entirely. She wanted him as fiercely as he wanted her.
The realisation ignited something daring within her, and before she realised what she was doing, she pushed him onto his back and climbed over him, her hands pinning his shoulders down.
"Am I being naughty?" she asked, with a coy smile.
"You're teasing me now, aren't you," Zeya said, an eyebrow lifting. "That's bordering on being naughty, isn't it?"
"But I don't want you to go," Sein protested.
"Well, I must confess, this naughty side of yours suits you far better than-"
Sein didn't let him finish.
Instead, she claimed his lips in a deep, consuming kiss that grew more intense with every passing second. Heat rushed through her, flushing her face as her mind gifted her the memory of him at the waterfall, shirtless.
As though answering this unspoken wish, her cloth power loosened the fastenings of his shirt, the fabric parted obediently. She pressed her fingertips against the warmth of his chest, feeling his heart racing beneath her touch, matching the frantic rhythm of her own.
His hands slid to her hips, holding her firmly against him. After drawing back from his lips, she traced a trail of kisses along his neck, soft at first, then more fervent, just as he'd done to her.
A soft moan escaped Zeya. At the sound, Sein froze.
Cocooned beneath the blanket, they could see very little, but for a brief moment she sensed they were staring at each other. A giggle escaped her and suddenly they were both laughing. The laughter broke the spell, pulling them back from the current of desire that had begun to carry them away.
Sein realised then that straddling him like that was indeed tormenting each other. Out in the forest, surrounded by his men, this was hardly the proper place for such intimacy.
"I suppose I should go," she said. "I don't actually need to sleep. It seems there are some perks to being a spirit. I'll go and speak to the men on watch."
She peeled the blanket away, catching the glow of moonlight on Zeya's face. He gave a look that suggested she'd hurt his feelings.
When Sein frowned trying to work out his reaction, he mumbled, "By now, the men have likely figured out you're a lady, and I can only imagine they'll be lining up to charm you. You may be swept off your feet and-"
"Seriously?" Sein said, arching an eyebrow. "What are you worried about? You are the only man who has my heart."
Zeya grinned, and Sein immediately sensed it was a ploy to coax a declaration of love from her. She shot him a stern look, then softened. Leaning over him, she pressed a gentle kiss to his forehead.
"Sleep well," she said softly, before leaving him.
For several hours, Sein sat on the soft grass by the edge of the forest, overlooking the river. With no breeze to stir the surface, the water remained still, creating a perfect mirror that reflected the moon.
She soaked in the quiet of the night, letting the peace settle within her. Any lingering uncertainty about Zeya's affection had vanished entirely. She felt a deep sense of resolution as she heard him approach.
"Zeya, why are you not asleep? It's not morning yet."
"I cannot sleep."
Zeya settled beside her, his arms drawing her close as she gently rested her head on his shoulder.
"My thoughts are far too restless… and somehow they all seem to lead back to you."
"What's happened to all your mind training? I've always admired your unshakable self-control."
Zeya chuckled.
"It seems my impeccable focus and discipline is reserved entirely for matters of duty. Unfortunately, it becomes rather unreliable where you're concerned."
"I disagree, you've always shown restraint in our relationship. You've pushed me back when we were getting too close. You were careful never to give me hope beyond friendship. You were far more in control than I ever was."
"Surely you remember how I lost my composure when I saw you dancing with that man? In that moment, it became painfully clear that I couldn't bear the thought of you with anyone else. That was when I finally understood the depth of my feelings."
"I was astonished you were jealous of Htet. Was I not obvious I only had eyes for you?"
"No, your smoke signals were too ambiguous. I couldn't be certain of your feelings."
"My smoke signals!" Sein exclaimed, straightening up. "I was desperately trying to understand your intentions. I had no idea how to interpret your flirtatious dance."
"Your smoke signals and my flirtatious dance certainly didn't get us anywhere."
Zeya gazed out over the river bank with a far away look.
"It wasn't until I thought I'd lost you for good that I truly understood, I cannot live without you."
He turned to Sein, seeking her eyes.
"My only regret is that I didn't stand up to my parents sooner and made sure you were not sent away."
"That's all in the past, Zeya. Don't live with regret," Sein soothed, thinking back to Maiah's words.
"I relied on the hope that your feelings for me were as true as the embroidery on that sash you gave me. With that belief, I took charge of my life and pursued what I knew in my heart to be right, fully aware of the consequences. I was prepared to face any cost to find you. I never want to lose you again."
"So you did understand the meaning of my embroidery. I meant it," Sein said softly. "You have my eternal love. I am yours, yours alone. I'm afraid you're stuck with me. You'll never be rid of me."
"Are you absolutely certain?" Zeya asked, his expression still serious. "You haven't aged a day since we last met. You'll always be young, an eternal beauty. But I will continue to age. And when I'm old and grey, will you still wish to stay by my side?"
Sein leaned back, her arms supporting her as she studied him. He'd obviously thought about the fact she was immortal now.
The image of Zeya as an older man flickered in her mind, perhaps with a touch of grey at his temples, much like his father, yet time would struggle to diminish his striking bone structure and those captivating eyes.
"Is that what you really think of me? I'm only interested in you for your looks and your body?"
Zeya chuckled, drawing her into his arms.
"Absolutely," he said lightly. "I couldn't help but notice the way you looked at me when my shirt was off by the waterfall."
"Well if you must parade half-naked in front of me… alright, I'll admit you have a fine body," Sein said, playfully nudging him with her elbow. "I imagine you'll still be just as naughty when you're old and grey. In fact, your mischief seems to have grown with age. But as long as you remain the Zeya I know and cherish, I will always be by your side."
Zeya grinned, his pale eyes sparkling in the moonlight.
"Well, I intend to remain just mischievous enough to keep life interesting."
As the horizon began to pale, the first light of dawn filtered through the leaves, scattering dappled patterns across the grass. Ahead of them the river shimmered, catching delicate shades of pink and blue from the waking sky.
Sitting in each other's embrace, they listened as the forest erupted with birdsong, one call after another rising among the trees. Gradually, Sein's thoughts drifted back to their present situation.
"Zeya, why are you disguised as General Min?" she asked out of curiosity.
"Well, I fancied a change of role. You know, to experience the accolades of being a general," Zeya said lightly. "Tell me, do you find me more appealing as one? If so, perhaps I should remain General Min a little longer."
"No, I much prefer you as Zeya," Sein replied, her eyes glinting with mischief. "You play the part of a prince extremely well. I must admit, I'm rather partial to a hopelessly charming prince. It's a good thing we only have one in this kingdom."
"Is that so?" Zeya said, amused.
"But seriously… why are you General Min?"
"The truth is, I wanted to be stationed in the northern hills as much as possible, hoping to find you," Zeya replied. "But, as you might imagine, our relationship with the North has grown increasingly fragile over the past few years. We suspected them of deliberately stirring trouble, and they likely thought we were preparing to invade. It was my mother's idea for me to disguise myself as a General. She chose the name Min which means King in the old language. And if I were ever captured by the North, I could claim to be part of a resistance group with no ties to the King and Queen. You'll notice none of my men wear military uniforms. My mother is keen to maintain an amicable relationship with her family."
"Your mother is smart," Sein commented.
"She's solely focused on the kingdom and her own interests. It's true, we have no desire for conflict with the North. Keeping the South at bay is already a significant challenge. They are still resentful… the fact I didn't marry…"
Zeya didn't wish to say her name.
"They invaded because you didn't marry her?"
Sein didn't want to say her name either.
Zeya nodded.
"The fact I broke the engagement and later news reached them that I was searching for you…their King took it as a loss of face. In retaliation, they invaded our southern borders. It was never my intention to insult or injure anyone. But to wage war over it… it's lunacy, isn't it?"
His hand rose to his shoulder, absently rubbing it as though it was painful. Sein recalled the image of him standing shirtless by the waterfall.
"Did you get that scar on your shoulder in the battle with the south?" she asked.
"Yes," Zeya replied quietly.
His eyes flicked towards the distant horizon, consumed by memories. Sensing the weight of his thoughts, Sein gently took his hand and pressed a light kiss to it.
"I'm grateful you chose the difficult decision to search for me," she said. "I don't know how I would have endured an eternity without you."
In return, Zeya turned her hand in his and placed a soft kiss upon it.