Feng Ming slowly slumped into the cold darkness of the shadows that dance with the flickering flames.

　　An Xun knelt beside the boy, s.n.a.t.c.hing the slender wrist to survey for a pulse, he wanted certification that the last beat was exhausted from the dying body. Satisfied, he relinquished the lifeless arm and stood up. 

　　The Queen was closely behind, standing to one side, her tear glistened eyes swept over the motionless Prince. Her voice was calm and gentle, “For your sake, I have sacrificed my own child, there is no mother under the heavens as heartless as I am. Keep your word and recall your spies in Xi Rei and you will also avoid any outsiders taking advantage of leads, else you will endanger Xi Rei.”

　　In contrary to her emotionless state, a turbulent sea of sorrow raged inside the Queen. The elaborate display of loyalty and submission to her old lover today was all part of a ploy to force An Xun onto a path of no return. 

　　Her heart still urged her to deny An Xun’s profound love, even after all these years.  Her eyes were dampened by her tears, she was crying for An Xun. 

　　Naturally, the poison that Feng Ming was force feed was potent but alas a fake.

　　An Xun nodded in agreement, “Good. There’s no Prince, who else could oppose me now? My men are no longer the needed in the grand scheme.” He suddenly released a deep growl, his hand shot to his waist, where he drew out a hidden dagger.

　　The distinct sound of metal sc.r.a.pping against the sheath echoed in the hall, it was ear splitting.

　　s.h.i.+vers ran down the Queen’s spine, as the sharp blade eerily reflected the fire light.

　　Fear struck down with a heavy hand, she trembled as she dared to ask, “An Xun, what are you doing?”

　　“Mu Lan, It’s not that I do not believe you.” An Xun wielded the sharp object threateningly, his voice had a gentleness reserved only for his lover whom he also offered a smile to.

　　“Merely I do not want take any risks. Xi Rei’s Royal Arcanum excels in the art of medicine and they’ve developed ones riddle with mystery for a.s.sorted purposes. There’s a possibility that their drug was designed to feign death and the manner of his death gives me no ease.”

　　He smiled.

　　“Which will be resolved, if I wound him mortally to guarantee his death.” He waved the weapon. “I can be a.s.sured that he will not rise from the dead. Then I shall hand over my last bargaining chip to you.”

　　Rong w.a.n.g had been especially concerned with Feng Ming’s safety, with one stab, who can guarantee that there will be any life left to recover?  

　　The colour drained from the Queen’s face. ”The Prince is dead, aren’t you satisfied? Don’t tell me you won’t even allow me to preserve his corpse?"

　　“Rest a.s.sured, after I stab him several times, I will have his wounds sewn.”

　　“An Xun!” The Queen’s raised her voice in disbelief.

　　“Mu Lan, we are adults now and far from the innocent days we spent as playmates.”

　　An Xun clenched his fists on the handle and issued her a bitter laugh.

　　“In the end you were his mother, both involved in the t.i.tle of the King and keeping the throne in his bloodline, haven’t I been treading carefully?  Everything was for this moment, my love, the affections I have for you will never change. Not now, not forever“

　　Taking a couple of steps back, the man’s words struck the Queen like high voltage electric shots. She couldn’t bear to hear her past lover’s confession, as the words echoed in her mind it left her critically damaged, her emotions were in turmoil.

　　Her legs were numb and they faltered beneath her she managed to catch her balance by supporting herself off the wall behind her.

　　Eyes closed, she shook her head slightly and in a soft voice,” His body no longer has a pulse, yet you insist on scarring my child’s remains? Will you withdraw your men afterwards then?”

　　“Where is the problem, if he has no pulse then it wouldn’t matter if I inflict wounds on his body with this knife? I’ll withdraw my men when my doubts have eased. From then onwards I’ll ensure Xi Rei’s security and nothing will come to harm this land.”

　　At that very moment, it appeared that if the Queen was to obstruct An Xun’s bidding she would certainly rouse suspicions.

　　She stood there, staring intently with much hesitation, remaining silent as millions of thoughts turned in her mind. Rong w.a.n.g’s face surfaced in her thoughts, his face that had her trust and the imagery of Xi Rei in cindering smoke of war torn times.

　　Biting her lips, she finally gave the sign of approval to An Xun, settling on the safety of Xi Rei as the most important agenda she could choose between the two choices. “Very well, if this is the case then let’s put this matter to rest. Proceed and do as you please. Aim for the heart, this way no miracle of medicine will bring the Crowned Prince back to life. You should be at ease.” 

　　An Xun’s face lit up, cheerful at the s.h.i.+ft of power, “Mu Lan, I know you are hurting inside. After all he is your son, don’t worry once I ascend the throne, I will ensure he is given a proper grand burial befitting of his status.”

　　He looked down at the unconscious Prince, his eyes glossed in savage glimmer. Wielding his murder weapon with both his hands, he raised it above the chest cavity, aiming directly for the boy’s heart.  

　　As he motioned to pierce his prey a sudden a loud thunderous clap interrupted the tragic scene.

　　An intruder had kicked down the wooden door, like a whirlwind the sole figure charged into the narrow pa.s.sageway.

　　The couple were thrown off, as the man swung into action at lightning speed brandis.h.i.+ng a sword that aimed a slash at An Xun’s head. He had taken the An Xun by surprise.

　　Luckily, An Xun’s dagger quickly switched position, his attention immediately diverted from the Prince. The years of the man’s experience showed as his reaction time saved him from a vital wound.

　　Clang!!

　　The screech of metal clas.h.i.+ng was deafening as An Xun blocked another murderous blow from his attacker, however the force behind the attempt was enough to leave his own arms numb.

　　An Xun was confronted by the face of a raging lion engulfed by anger, this beast was powerful and deep in a frenzy of adrenaline.  The intruder’s handsome face snarled with benevolence.  

　　Rong Tian retracted his arms and initiated a continuous onslaught at the man’s vital points, thrusting his blade with such agility An Xun barely managed to keep defending.

　　The Regent King was unrelenting as the rhythm of colliding weapons intensified.  The younger man gave no room for recovery, indicating that there will only be one survivor at the end of this battle.

　　CLING!

　　CLANG!

　　CLING! CLANG!

　　Flints flew from the point of contact between their swords as the men demonstrated their skills and talent. Rong w.a.n.g fighting style was flamboyant and powerful, each swipe had excellent precision. Although his age was tender, he was not shy in tactic and performance, such gallant pose was rarely seen in swordplay, it was becoming apparent to who was the weaker in this deadly game.    

　　An Xun’s years were catching up to him, he staggered slightly dodging the swift swish of Rong Tian’s blade.  His breath was laboured and he knew he was reaching his limits in contrast to the fitter King. Making a cowardly withdrawal, he backed towards the speechless Queen his eyes glared at her.

　　“Mu Lan, hurry and order him to stop!” he yelled with all his might.