15 Tit For Ta (1/2)

Nuwa had no idea how long she was scampering. All this time, she never looked at her surroundings or even stopped to relax. There was only one contemplation in her mind and that was at any cost, she needed to escape from this dangerous city, alive. She was desperate, yet determined to survive.

She understood the girl wasn't someone to trifle with. Why she was so unfortunate to meet so many rich people? She was regretting, for not refraining her impulsive actions.

When she glimpsed the ray of the first light of dawn started to illuminate from the east, Nuwa deduced that she has been running for the whole night.

She was feeling suffocated as her lungs were out of oxygen. Her head was spinning, legs were bleeding. Her whole body was wobbling and aching to the point that she felt paralyzed. She realized, she needed to stop otherwise she may collapse at any moment.

Breathing heavily, sweat pouring down her small face, she frantically eyed the surrounding are to hide and rest for a while. Sensing that she was alone in the middle of a secluded dense forest, she halted and was about to lay down under a big tree. However, she abruptly sat and opened her sack and took a money pouch out.

Yes, it was the pouch that Bai Qiang gave her for compensation. She counted the money, found that there were more than fifty silver coins. Suddenly the corner of her lips broke into a small smile.

It was enough for her to live a comfortable life.

Initially, she didn't have any intention to keep his money. But she still did. Why won't she? He destroyed everything that she was working on. She always weened that one day, her life will change. And it did...almost.

Now she desperately needed to find a safe harbor. It was impossible to go back. So of course, she needed a lot of money to live a solitary life.

Reminisced about the baker, she felt distressed. But, there's no room to return.

'He must be concerned about my whereabouts. '

*Sigh*

Nuwa laid down again when planning for the unknown future. Due to extreme exhaustion, her eyelids started to become heavier as she finally closed her eyes and fell into deep slumber.

***

Inside the Imperial Palace

The usual peaceful atmosphere of the Palace had vanished as it was replaced with tension and fear. People were crying and pleading inwardly to Buddha that they could overcome the upcoming calamity.

On the bejeweled, lavish 'Eagle' throne, Emperor Lin was sitting dignifiedly. His beard and hair were turned white like snow, his face was covered by wrinkles. Even though He was in his late sixties, it didn't diminish in his graceful and almighty aura. He was wearing a golden colored rob which emitted an overbearing domineer.

”How dare you left the Princess?”

”How did she got hurt?”

Suddenly, Emperor Lin roared, when looking at everyone furiously. The hostile look emitted from his eyes so terrifying that people around him shuddered and collapsed in fright. Raws after raws of Eagle guards and maid-servants were kneeling while begging for mercy.

”Y-your Majesty, please punish these lowly servants. We couldn't protect Her Highness.”

”P-please punish us.”

They pleaded unison even though they didn't mean what they said. The Royal Court was filled with murmurs and outcries. Emperor Lin was so angry on his selfish servants that he vexedly look at the advisors and minister and sternly said,

”What's the point of having special guards when they could not even protect the only successor of this kingdom? Do not tell this Emperor that it was another conspiracy of treason!”

His sudden statement created surprised among the imperial ministers and royals. They gasped in horror. Their bodies were trembling as they bowed,

”Y-your majesty. We dare not.”

”This must be an accident. Please give us a chance to investigate this matter.”

”Please punish us.”