29 Xings Coldness (2/2)

Suddenly Xing jumped out from behind the tree and charged at him with her dagger. With one swift swoop the man unsheathed his sword and the dagger is sent flying across and landed behind him on the forest floor.

It was like time slowed down.

The moonlight crawled up both of them and revealed the faced of the two individuals. Xing's fear changed to shock as the blue light rose up the man's face to reveal a very handsome young man. His black hair fluttered as a soft breeze blew across and on his face he seemed to also be in shock. Upon recognizing that it was Yanjing Xing's fears fell apart and her body suddenly became very light as she toppled over and fell into Yanjing's chest. Yanjing caught Xing and his hand hesitated before he wrapped his arm around her. Xing felt as though a heavy load has been lifted off of her as she stood in his arms.

It took her some time before she realized what happened and pushed Yanjing away.

”What-what, why are you here?” Xing's face flushed red.

”Why do you think I'm here?” He retorted.

”I-I-I don't know.” She stammered.

”To save you of course!” Yanjing raised his voice a little as he ran his hand through his hair.

Yanjing's words brought back a wave of memories in Xing's mind. She was touched by his words but it also brought her back to a certain place and time in her memories. A time where she was not a maid, when she was still at her uncle and aunt's house.

He turned around with his back facing Xing as he surveyed their surroundings for anyone else. When he made sure there was no one he said. ”Xing we need to get back now.”

”Yes Mister Deng.” Xing replied coldly.

”Huh?” The sudden coldness and formality befuddled Yanjing.

”What did you just call me?” He asked and when he turned around he saw that Xing was looking at him very coldly and sad.

”Mister Deng. I called you by your real name and title.” Xing answered in the same tone.

”What happened?” Yanjing asked with care in his tone. ”Why are you being like this?”

Xing only answered simply. ”It doesn't matter why, as a servant, I am supposed to call you by that title.” She placed emphasis on the word servant.

Yanjing looked at the girl again. ”I just don't understand. We used to get along just fine when we were kids but why are you suddenly acting like this? Why are you here as a servant instead of being a village chief's niece?”

Xing grew quiet and did not respond immediately.

She began slowly. ”There is no why. This is what is supposed to happen, we were never supposed to even interact. A servant and you are the son of a general. You are meant to inherit your father's seat and be victorious in battles while I am meant to work as a maid.”

Xing looked up at Yanjing and looked at him with a sad smile. Although it has only been a short time apart he had grown up to become a handsome man. Very soon he would be asked to pick a bride and with all the beautiful ladies with the power to support him, he would soon forget about her.