Sein felt a twinge of apprehension at the word 'home'. The palace was undoubtedly Zeya's, but not hers.
Perhaps it was because she'd never truly felt at ease within its walls.
Perhaps she wasn't ready to face her family and confront the loss of her father and brother.
Or perhaps she simply didn't wish to resume her life as a lady of the court.
But to spend one lifetime with Zeya, she must accept the palace as her home again. It was a small price to pay.
She would play her part, knowing that love, at its core, was woven from threads of compromise, a silent agreement to meet halfway.
Sein took Zeya's hand and gracefully dismounted the horse. Much to her relief there was no fanfare or ceremony to welcome the Crown Prince back.
She was grateful Zeya kept hold of her hand, his calm presence a steady reassurance as they walked.
Lanterns flickered along the stone path, casting warm pools of gold to guide their way. Dusk was beginning to settle around them.
In the fading light, Sein lifted her gaze skyward. The familiar sight of sweeping, multi-tiered roofs rose ridiculously high, crowning the buildings.
The last traces of amber light clung to the ornate finials, their gilded points piercing the mauve sky.
The contrast was striking.
She'd grown used to thatched roofs and slate tiles, to buildings modest in both size and stature. Now the palace seemed excessive to her eye, dripping in wealth and status.
She couldn't help but notice the vast divide between ordinary lives and those of the nobility.
As they moved through the palace gardens toward the Crown Prince's quarters, the air carried the soft, lingering scent of jasmine.
There was no tang of fermented vegetables or drying fish.
Even the wind rushing across the pond brought only fragrant air, heavy with the promise of rain.
The steady hum of insects began their melancholic chorus, rising with the deepening darkness.
The sights, scents, and sounds were all too familiar, but they brought Sein no comfort.
She realised how little the palace had changed. Everything stood just as she remembered it, as though she'd only been away for days rather than years.
There was an unsettling churn in her stomach.
Not only did the surroundings stirred memories she'd long tried to bury, but her senses pulsed with the presence of countless spirits residing throughout the capital. Their impressions lingered in her awareness, clear and persistent.
She drew in a slow breath, steadying herself.
Turning inward, she carefully withdrew from her heightened senses until the sensations faded into a dull, distant murmur at the back of her mind.
There was no need for vigilance, not within the palace walls. At least, that was what she told herself.
Little threat existed for Zeya here except perhaps the lords and ladies whose company he preferred to avoid.
Saw Win had ridden ahead to make preparations for their arrival. And when they stepped through the white gate leading to the Crown Prince's apartment, several of the men and women, who served Zeya, lined the front entrance.
They curtsied and bowed in unison as their handsome prince greeted them.
A few shot discreet looks at the person next to him. Sein was still in men's clothing.
Once inside, Saw Win stepped forward with a formal bow.
"Your Highness. Lady Sein."
He was dressed smartly, even his hair was swept neatly back.
Sein found herself missing the easy, unguarded manner of Denpa, and, for a fleeting moment, wished they were still in the forest.
"Lady Sein," Saw Win continued. "I am informed your family is no longer in residence at the palace compound. Your apartment lies empty. Shall I send someone to prepare the quarters for you?"
"That won't be necessary. Sein will be staying with us," Zeya spoke up, before turning quickly to her. "You will stay… won't you? I would feel far more at ease knowing you're nearby."
Sein nodded without hesitation.
"I assume you won't mind using my bedchamber," he added choosing his words with care. "Though I should clarify… I shall sleep out here. Or nearby. In another room, perhaps. Not together, obviously."
"I wouldn't dream of taking your bed," Sein replied, amused by his flustered state. "I'm really not fussed where I sleep."
In her mind, she was already planning how to spend the night. Sleep was no longer a necessity, so she would go to the Archives instead. There, she hoped to uncover a scroll or book that might reveal something about the spirits dwelling in the mortal realm.
"Truly, I insist," Zeya protested, taking Sein's hand and pressing it against his chest. "Your comfort and happiness matter more than anything else."
Saw Win glanced at Sein then Zeya, wondering whether to take his leave.
There was some unspoken exchange between them and whatever it was, now that it was settled, Sein turned to him.
"Saw Win, do you know where my mother and my brother Naing are living now?" she asked.
"I do not but I will find the information you seek, Lady Sein," Saw Win replied. "Will there be anything else, Your Highness?"
"I should like to bathe before supper. See that the bathing pool is prepared immediately," Zeya instructed. "I am not to receive any visitors, no matter who they are. And have Khin Yu arrange an audience with my parents for tomorrow morning."
"As you wish, Your Highness," Saw Win bowed and left.
"Sein, what can I do for you?" Zeya asked. "Tell me what you need."
Sein thought for a moment and her expression tightened.
"I'd like to go to my apartment," she said finally. "I want to take a look at my old home."
"Would you like me to accompany you?"
"No, I'll be quite alright," Sein assured him, not wishing for anyone to witness her grief.
Forcing a bright smile, she pushed those thoughts aside.
"Don't worry, I'll be right back before you know it," she said lightly. "I'd like to bathe too. It's been ages since I've soaked in a proper bath. And of course, I should dress appropriately. There'll be rumours of a young man staying with the Crown Prince if I don't change back into my usual clothes."
"You needn't trouble yourself with rumours. I have absolute trust in everyone who serves me, and honestly, I couldn't care less what others might say," Zeya said. "Truly, nothing could dim the happiness I feel having you by my side. And while you're away, I'll have Saw Win see to our supper."
Sein tip-toed up and lightly kissed him before leaving.
The apartment which was once Sein's home had become a stranger to her. The walls that held comfort now felt cold and unfamiliar. With the shutters bolted, the rooms lay entombed in darkness.
She stood motionless, her eyes glazed, as though she'd slipped, for a moment, beyond the world.
A knock at the front door jolted her back to the present.
A girl, the very one who'd helped her with clothes for going out into the capital all those years ago, greeted her with a curtsy.
She appeared a little older but her friendly smile hadn't changed.
"Lady Sein, I have been sent by the Crown Prince to serve you."
"Much appreciated," Sein responded, ushering her in.
The girl went about the apartment, lighting lanterns as she went. Their soft glow revealed the sparse furniture draped in white sheets.
The rooms looked to be exactly how the family had left it when they departed for the North. Sein found herself wondering if her mother and brothers had ever returned at all.
"What can I do for you, My Lady?" "Will you prepare the bathing pool," Sein said. "There's no need to lay out clothes. I will dress by myself. Feel free to return to the Crown Prince's quarters afterwards."
Sein waited eagerly for the girl to leave after the bath was filled, wishing to be alone.
She pulled off her clothes and gently lowered herself into the warm pool. The soothing heat and softness of the water, embraced her like a comforting blanket.
Her shoulders softened and her breath deepened as she laid back, and closed her eyes.
But her mood soured when she was deafened by utter silence. She felt hollow, yearning for the gentle murmurs of the household, even her mother's shrill voice would be welcomed.
The loss of her father and Thura started to sink in, like cold damp seeping into her bones.
With no one to see or hear her, she let out a cry. Tears flooded the pool, as her heart twisted with grief.
When she could weep no more, she dried herself and put on a robe.
She went from room to room, ruminating on the past. How could she be longing for those loathsome days? Days she wished away without ever appreciating them.
Finally she stood staring at the dining table, where the family had their last meal before they left for the North.
What she truly longed for, she realised, were the small, everyday rhythms that wove themselves into the fabric of her life.
Thura's animated chatter when he returned home, Naing's bouts of bombastic speech, her father's calming words ironing over the creases left by her mother's persistent meddling, and even her mother's endless fussing over frivolous things were tender moments she now yearned for.
"Sein?"
Zeya's voice brought her mind back to the present.
"Are you alright? You've been gone quite some time. I must admit, I was beginning to feel a little concerned."
"I didn't mean to worry you," Sein said, as she gazed at the extraordinarily handsome man standing before her.
She must make the most of her time with him and be present in every moment. One lifetime wasn't nearly enough.
"Your hair," Zeya said, noticing it had returned to the same long length she had always worn before.
"Spirit of Hair," Sein replied. "Seriously, it seems there really is a spirit for everything."
"You're beautiful as always," Zeya said, offering his hand. "Supper's ready. Come, there's really no need to fuss about dressing properly. Stay in your robe if you like. As you can see, I'm in mine."
Having made peace with her past, Sein was ready to embrace what lay ahead, a future she would share with the man who had wholly captured her heart.
She slipped her hand into his, and he gave hers a gentle squeeze.
"Shall we create a scandal… no… shall we make robe wearing a fashionable statement?" Sein asked lightly, her gaze travelling over him.
He wore a long robe of green velvet, a royal crest embroidered over his left breast. The fabric fell elegantly across his broad shoulders, and where the wrap loosened at the front, it revealed a glimpse of his collarbone and a hint of his fine body underneath.
"Well, robes are far too sensible and ordinary," Zeya said, swapping her hand into his other so he could circle his arm around her. "I rather like the idea of seeing the lords in long flowing skirts and the ladies in trousers. I must admit, I've grown quite used to seeing you in them."
"Are you saying you're willing to wear a flowing skirt yourself?" Sein feigned astonishment. "Shall I rustle up one for you right now?"
Sein and Zeya dined on lavishly prepared dishes: an array of meats and seafood in rich curry sauces and fragrant, hearty salads, each dish meticulously crafted to balance the salty, sour, and spicy flavours.
Yet they could only pick at the feast before them as they chatted.
After spending so much time away from palace life, they had grown accustomed to simpler meals: steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, and fresh fish caught from the river.
The opulence of the meal, once the norm, now felt almost overwhelming, as it was a stark contrast to the modesty they had come to appreciate.
When Saw Win appeared with a plateful of fresh ripe mangoes after the meal, Zeya began in his usual playful tone, "Saw Win, are we trying to get into Lady Sein's good graces again?" Before Saw Win could answer, Sein spoke up, "Saw Win, there's no need to try. You are both already in my good books. It was a spectacular meal. Much appreciated."
"A pleasure, my lady."
He flashed a smile at her and bowed before leaving.
"I believe you have a particular fondness for mangoes," Zeya said, propping up his chin on his hand as he gazed at Sein.
"You remembered! I do love mangoes."
Zeya watched with pleasure as Sein ate a piece.
"Is it to your liking?" he asked.
"Delicious. It's sweet yet there's a hint of tartness. Just the way I like them. Aren't you having any?"
"Well, I thought I'll observe for a moment, hoping, perhaps, you might make your delightful noises."
Understanding what he was hinting at, Sein gave him a stern look.
"Oh?" she said, adopting an innocent tone. "What were you expecting to hear exactly?"
"Nothing in particular, really," Zeya replied with a casual shrug.
Sein purposely took another bite of the yellow flesh and voiced an appreciative moan. Zeya's eyes lit up.
"Was that to your satisfaction?" she asked.
"Perfect," Zeya said, with an uncontainable grin. "I do feel tremendously privileged to be here with you. Truly, I think I may be the luckiest man alive. After everything and all these years, it's rather remarkable that we've found our way back to one another."
He reached across the table and held out his hand. Sein offered hers and he took it.
"I certainly didn't think it was possible either," Sein admitted, her gaze drifting briefly to the silk paintings on the screens that partitioned the room.
Now that she'd finally grasped the unreachable mango, the expected wave of jubilation was short lived.
Instead, she found herself sinking beneath the depths of a harsher truth, that one day, he would no longer be with her. And that realisation threatened to pull her down into the abyss.
"Now, sitting here," she added, "I see that other things I thought impossible aren't so at all."
Her thoughts drifted then to the scroll she'd discovered in the Archives, its message stirring a curiosity that had led her to study history.
It appeared that a chain of small, seemingly insignificant moments had guided her to this very point. It felt almost as though unseen forces were at work.
She shook her head, trying to quiet her mind, and forced her focus towards the brighter side of things.
With a renewed smile, she began, "It really is mind-boggling to think we've managed to solve Prince Amptu's murder."
"Not we," Zeya interrupted, "it was you."
"Really, it was you who said we would find answers from people outside these walls and you were right," Sein said with a glint of mischief in her eyes. "At the time I thought you were a bit too over optimistic. But I see that… you are, in fact…"
"Extraordinarily insightful?" Zeya interjected with a broad grin. "Or perhaps remarkably astute?"
Sein narrowed her eyes. "No, the words I was looking for were 'just lucky'."
"Luck?" Zeya feigned offence. "Luck has nothing to do with it. It was sound reasoning and precise judgement that-"
He paused, seeing that Sein was stifling a giggle.
"I've missed this… this nonsense of ours," Zeya said with genuine warmth. "Things have been far too dull without you."
"Oh but we don't always speak nonsense," Sein protested lightly. "We do, on occasion, tackle matters of great importance, such as whether lords ought to take up skirts."
She paused as her mind flicked to the events of the past few days.
"Though, I suppose, we really should be turning our attention to the rather dull business of uncovering whoever's behind these trade disruptions."
"It may be dull, I grant you, but the welfare of our kingdom rests upon it," Zeya said, a frown appearing. "I'm keen to uncover the culprit before he or she realises we've captured their men and discovered the threat doesn't come from the north."
Sein's gaze drifted across the rosewood tabletop, tracing its intricate grain as her hand rested beneath his.
"What do you suppose he or she will do if they knew?" she asked.
Zeya thought for a moment, eventually shaking his head as he responded, "To be perfectly honest, I cannot predict what they might do. Their motive remains unclear, and I cannot yet determine whether greed or fear is guiding their actions."
"Then shall we review what we already know?" Sein asked. "It might help uncover something we haven't thought of yet."
Zeya nodded, releasing her hand. He pushed aside the plate of mangoes to clear a space between them.
"For now, we must assume this individual already holds both wealth and influence," he said, positioning the salt pot in the middle, "considering the resources required to organise and recruit men. It would seem they have also taken advantage of the kingdom's growing unrest, using it to draw others into their cause."
Sein's eyes narrowed.
"Yes, quite clever, really," she commented. "I imagine young men could easily be persuaded into believing they were supporting a good cause."
Her thoughts drifted to Kyaw and Soe. Would they have been drawn into fighting for the enemy? She doubted Kyaw would be so easily swayed, yet the promise of payment might tempt many.
"Exactly. Offering gold is a powerful incentive," Zeya said, as though reading her thoughts.
He lifted the salt pot, turning it slowly, his gaze tracing the intricate swirls painted on the porcelain.
"But why create disruptions? Why cause scarcity?" he murmured. "Why cause so much… needless suffering? Why?"
His gaze met hers. "It has affected everyone."
Sein assumed he was referring to those struggling as a result of the trade disruptions.
She, too, had sensed a shift in the capital. At first, she had attributed it to her heightened awareness of other spirits.
"The capital has changed considerably since I was last here," she said. "It feels less welcoming… and far more intense, almost aggressive."
"So you have noticed," Zeya said, carefully placing the salt pot on the table. "There has been a great deal of unrest in the capital this past year. Crime has surged, and certain areas have become unsafe after dark."
"And it's all because of scarcity?" Sein asked.
"In part. As you've seen, life in the countryside is becoming increasingly difficult. Soe mentioned how farming has suffered, largely because essential tools can no longer be replaced. That's just one example of how scarcity is affecting people. It's no wonder so many are heading to the capital in search of better prospects. And as the city grows overcrowded, competition for limited resources intensifies, and tensions rise."
His gaze fell to the tabletop as though a memory had surfaced.
"Scarcity seems to bring out the worst in people."
Then, as if shaking off the thought, he brightened.
"That said, with Cetan and his men working to restore the flow of trade without further disruption, I'm confident things will begin to improve."
"But I imagine this problem won't go away until we find the person responsible," Sein said, noticing the weight that still lingered on his shoulders.
"Yes, as my master would say, the serpent remains dangerous unless its head is seized. And that is exactly what we must hope to achieve."
"And I believe we shall," Sein said, observing Zeya intently.
Recalling their earlier conversation on the boat, she added, "And we must also consider the significance of the link to Spirit of Prosperity."
At this, a faint frown touched Zeya's expression, though he quickly concealed it. But Sein sensed the unease beneath the surface.
They'd already spoken of the likelihood that whoever with connection to Spirit of Prosperity was bound to be someone within the palace itself.
The thought that the enemy might lie within his own circle was no doubt playing on his mind. She suspected he already had an inkling of who it might be, but had yet to piece together all the missing fragments.
Perhaps Zeya wasn't ready to name his suspect right away, so she gently steered the conversation to her observations of the city.
"I noticed a lot of people heading to the temples this afternoon," she said. "I imagine the scarcity is driving people to pray to Spirit of Prosperity."
"Exactly. You may have observed, as we rode back to the palace, we passed several new temples dedicated to him. They're popping up throughout the capital. Perhaps one day, he may surpass Spirit of Love and Marriage in popularity."
"It's curious to me, how people choose to pour their money into building temples, surely, it could be used for more urgent purposes."
"It's about hope." Zeya sighed. "I grant you, hope is not a good strategy but for some it's all they have. And as long as it exists, we keep going. I know it well. It's hope, and sheer determination, that's carried me through all these years."
Sein sensed his mood darken further, like gathering clouds blotting out the last of the light.
"Let's not speak any more of this tonight," she said softly.
She had no desire to reopen old wounds, neither his nor her own.
Hope, she thought, was a fragile thing. Without it, she was willing to let go of her life five years ago.
And yet, hope did exist after all. It had carried her beyond death, granting her not only spirit-hood, but the rare grace of remaining in the mortal world.
This was her second chance at life, and she was determined to make the most of it.
"Let's enjoy the rest of the evening," she added with a smile.
"Absolutely," Zeya agreed, and gestured for them to move to the daybed by the window. "What would you suggest? Is there anything you would like?"
As Sein considered his question, they passed the elegant silk screens partitioning the room. There, she caught sight of a bed prepared for Zeya.
She flicked a glance back at him, a few steps behind her. He met her eyes with a questioning lift of an eyebrow.
She didn't want him to stay in the temporary bed. It didn't seem right.
She found herself longing to lie next to him again and feel the comfort and security of his presence.
At this thought, a sudden urge to be wrapped in his arms consumed her. She was overcome by a yearning so deep and powerful, her pulse quickened.
A sly smile spread across her face as she sat down and carefully arranged the robe over her legs.
Before Zeya could settle into his usual spot on the daybed, he paused, his attention fixed on her.
"What are you doing, Sein?" Zeya asked, eyes wide as he felt his robe pulled off his shoulders by a mysterious force.
"You look sooo much better without it."
Sein tilted her head ever so slightly, her eyes fixed on him. Through half-lowered lashes, she made no attempt to hide her admiration of his bare torso.
"We have been blessed by Spirit of Love and Marriage, have we not?" she said, giving him a hint at her thoughts.
Zeya hesitated, wordless for a moment.
"True enough," he said finally. "However to be truly married, we must exchange our vows before one another."
Sein pursed her lips. Surely it would be weeks, if not months before they could officially marry. She didn't wish to wait that long.
He seemed to understand her disappointment. After a brief moment, he untied the fastening of his robe and let it fall to the floor.
"Why wait?" he ventured, standing before her and offering his hand. "Let's do it right now. We've already waited five years to be together."
He pulled her to her feet as he called out, "Saw Win, come and bare witness to our exchanging of vows."
Stripped to the waist, only wearing his night trousers, Zeya knelt on one knee.
"I must confess," he said with a sheepish smile, "this isn't quite how I envisioned the moment when I ask you for your hand in marriage."
Saw Win approached as commanded, freezing at the sight of them: Zeya kneeling half naked, taking Sein's hand.
"Your Highness?"
Saw Win paused, watching them from a distance, then a smile spread across his face when he understood what was about to take place. He moved quietly forward and stood as a witness.
"Sein, will you do me the honour and take me as your husband?" Zeya said, gazing up at her.
"I will," Sein replied, truly submitting to those pale eyes.
Zeya smiled then he continued, "I swear to protect you with my life, and be by your side for as long as I shall be. I am wholly yours, my heart, my loyalty, my very being."
Touched by his pledge of union, Sein beamed. She tugged lightly at his arm until he was standing before her.
"Zeya," she said softly. "Will you take me as your wife?"
"I will."
Sein drew a steadying breath, letting the words come naturally. She spoke from the heart as she made her vows to him.
"I promise to be by your side to treasure and love you until the end of time," she began, pausing briefly as she gathered herself. "You will live on forever within me, woven into the very essence of my every thought, every breath, and every piece of my being."
Sein swallowed hard to keep the tears from forming as she remembered Kumbi's words: It is better to have spent one life time with the one you cherish than none at all.
In the next moment, she found herself wrapped in Zeya's arms, his lips meeting hers in a tender kiss.
Saw Win took this as a cue to leave the couple in private.
"May you be blessed," he murmured softly.