After the argument with A’Li, I sneaked out of the palace. It was my first time without her by my side. I remember A’Li telling me one time that she was saved by my dad when she got banished by her tribe for disobeying their rule. However, she never told me what rule she broke. She only told me that at age eight she had been betrayed by the person who she trusted the most. I guess I didn’t ask more about the incident in fear that she’ll remember unwanted memories.

     When A’Li arrived in Western Liang, she was quiet and cold. Or at least that’s what she told me. She said I was lively and a nuisance for her since she had to watch over me. At that time I was only five years old, so I can’t really blame myself, right? Anyway, she would tell me all the times we’ve spent together starting with the first day we’ve met until . . . the day I have lost my memories. I really wish I can remember what happened, but every time I try my mind is always blank as paper.

“Miss,” a male’s voice said as he grabs my arm to make me face him, “please give me some money” I realized that he was a beggar.

I shuffled through my money pouch that is always attached to me and took out one sliver for him.

“Thanks” he bows as he smiles walking away.

I watched him walk away, thinking deeply about the corruption of the court which brought me back to the incident about Consort Fang’s abortion. Obviously, she’s framing me but if anyone was to harm her it would only be Consort Xue. Crown Prince Yan wouldn’t dare hurt Consort Xue if it was really her anyway so what’s the point of digging up the facts. I frustratedly sigh as I noticed that I’m heading out of the city into a more secluded area. Crap. I didn’t keep track of where I was going and now I’m lost in a weird place that I have not been to. I glance around for anyone passing by as a group of farmers pushing a cart is heading my direction.

“Misters,” I stopped them, “Do you know which way is towards the city?” I asked politely as they all took off their hats staring at me strangely. I felt a strong warning sign like a bad aura from them as I embraced myself stepping away. They continue to enticingly glare at me as they tried to close the gap between me and them.

“Miss, how about we take you back to the city?” one of them suggested as they circle me from escaping. There were five of them about mid-age. One of them had a huge scar on his left arm which terrified me.

“Sorry. I’ll be fine” I turned around to run but bumped into one of the guy’s chest. He automatically hugs me as I responded by kicking him in the nuts. I rapidly pushed him over and ran downhill as they chased after me.

“Someone! Help me!” I screamed as I ran with all my might down the steep hill. But it was useless because they’ve caught up and surrounded me again.

“Please, don’t” I fearfully pleaded, “I have money” I tug on my pouch and poured the money onto the ground. “You can have it” I add.

“We don’t want your money, little miss. We want you” one of them said as he threw sleeping powder at my face.