232 Story Of The Pas (2/2)

Neither her grandfather nor her mother spoke much about it. However, every so often, her mother would mention stories that regarded a higher being.

The Emperor nodded to her honesty and fell silent once again before speaking. ”There was a tribe said to be the children of God. They possessed great abilities to heal and grant great fortune to any country or ruler they chose to support.”

Without meaning to, Rin found herself intrigued by his story. It reminded her of the ones her mother would tell her.

”What happened to them?”

The Emperor's lips tightened. ”Word of their gifts spread across the country and…their tribes were overrun, enslaving their people and even marrying the women in hope to bear a gifted child. They say this act of greed angered God, so he began killing the tribe members to prevent man from staining them with their greed. Year after year, the tribe members died, their life spans shortening from an incurable disease until finally, none remained.”

When at last he finished his story, Rin's chest felt strangely hollow. His words were expressionless; they carried no hint of anything she could read. There had to be a reason why the Emperor told her such a story. Somehow, she felt restless.

Rin was looking at the Emperor now. Her emerald eyes pulled like the tide. ”The tribe members that died…did that include their children?”

A moment of shock reflected on the Emperor's face. Only for a moment before his eyes averted hers.

”…No. They still lived.”

”Then…” Rin started to say something, but at that moment, a knock sounded on the door.

A look of disappointment revealed on both their faces, however, the Emperor still responded to the person on the other side. Entering the office, the soldier bowed in apology, which was quickly dismissed by the Emperor.

”What's wrong?” He rested a hand on the armrest, his eyes narrowed.

”Outside the gates…there's an army. They claim to be from the Northern Empire.” The soldier explained.

Hearing his words, Rin's eyes lit up. Standing up from her seat, she looked at the soldier eagerly with rising excitement building within her chest.

”Did they tell you their name?” She stepped closer to the soldier, causing him to stiffen under her piercing gaze.

”Yes.” The soldier acknowledged. ”They said they're from the Bai family.”

It was at that moment, all the excitement in Rin's chest burst. A broad smile spread across her lips.

”Excuse me for the discourtesy your Majesty, but I will excuse myself now.” Before the Emperor even had a say, she had rushed out of the room.

Both men watched her, stunned.

Outside, Rin's footsteps were brisk. On her way to the main hall, she happened to meet a familiar figure.

”Rin,” An Sun called her name with his deep voice.

He walked toward her looking out of breath as if she were running. Searching for someone. Rin walked toward him, a dazzling smile on her face.

”Are they here?” She asked.

An Sun nodded. ”They're waiting in front of the gates.”

Again, Rin felt her heart jump. Unware, the smile on her lips grew. Seeing the clear joy on her face, An Sun found himself smiling as well. He chuckled.

”Come on, let's go see them.” He grabbed her hand and dragged her forward.

His skin was rough and slightly moist from possible training. The firm fingers holding hers were very warm. Rin stared at their joined hands, then flickered her eyes to the man's broad back. Her heart jumped a bit, however, the reason for it had changed.

For a moment, she had forgotten where he was leading her. All Rin knew was her hand was in his, spreading an unfamiliar warmth throughout her entire body.