35 Actions Speak Louder Than Words (1/2)

”What do you mean I can't see my mommy?” The young girl huffed with furrowed brows.

”Apologies Princess, but the Mistress is currently busy at this moment with the Emperor.” The young maid gently explained with helpless eyes.

”Can't you ask Uncle if I can borrow mommy for just a few possible minutes?” The young girl batted her long lashes.

”Princess…” The maid sighed hopelessly.

”Ting, I'll take it from here,” A man's mellow voice suddenly spoke from behind the two.

The little girl, instantly hearing the man's familiar voice grumbled. Sigh, why did he repeatedly come interrupting her whenever she was close to managing her way!

”Wei Jingyi,” The young maid greeted with a slight bow in the head.

”En,” He bobbed his head in return before subtly shifting his direct gaze towards the petite girl. ”Princess, how about we go for a little stroll?”

Looking gloomily at the middle-aged servant dressed in white robes and a black medium-length beard, the little girl frowned evidently. She huffed with frustration before willingly following the man away from the entrance.

The young maid couldn't help but sigh in relief once she saw the two's departing backs, however, a trace of pity fell onto her face as she watched them.

As the two were a few feet away from the Emperor's quarters, now currently in the Palace Garden, the male servant named Wei Jingyi looks at the small girl - her expression of one feeling wronged.

”Princess, I've informed you many times, no matter how many times you ask, your Uncle won't allow you access to see your mother until their matters are settled.” Wei Jingyi sighed. ”You shouldn't cause trouble for a mere maid.”

”Tch, I know. You don't need to restate it everytime Wei Jingyi!” The willowy girl snapped back fiercely.

”Alright, alright, I apologize Princess. I'll learn from my mistakes.” He smiled.

Only when the two were alone would he announce himself as 'I' rather than 'this servant'.

It was an order the Princess along with her mother had ordered him to do in order for them to feel like equals.

She had wanted to close the distance between the two so the Princess could feel as though she had a companion rather than a servant.

Despite him being a mere middle-aged servant, the Crown Prince's family treated him extremely well.

Observing her reaction, Wei Jingyi chuckles lightly, however, a dim spark flashes within his soulless eyes.

”Princess should start to learn martial art techniques. They'll be useful in the mere future.” He suddenly spoke in a low tone.

Startled by his words, the little girl stops in her tracks to stare up at the man, the two stopping in front of a chrysanthemum tree.

”You never know when one might need to defend themselves,” He continued while staring at the chrysanthemum tree.

”But don't I have Uncle's soldiers to protect me?” The little girl asked with a tilt in her head. ”No one would dare defy Uncle and his armies strength! Uncle and father promised both mother and me that'd they'd be sure to protect us from any harm!”

The man remained silent for a few minutes, his dark eyes staring dully at the blooming flowers, his hand reaching up to lightly touch their tips.

Feeling a sudden gentle breeze go through the air, the little girl stares up at the bright blue sky - her emerald eyes sparkling with pure innocence.