Zhan's pov

"How did you know that I was going to be attacked and where to find me?" Simon asked as we walked back to the camp.

"I knew that your life was in danger, I saw a vision." I said.

"So you can also see the future?" Simon asked and I just gave him a nod, "That's interesting. So what did you see in the future that made you join the rebels?"

"I saw utter and complete destruction of everything and everyone around me."

"I see." Simon suddenly stopped and took out something, "Let me use this, now that the sky is clearer, it will help people to find us soon." he took out a small rocket and aimed it at the sky before firing.

"Now let's wait." he said. While we were waiting he said, "We need more people to join us if we have to overthrow the emperor."

"I know, I have some people in my mind and I will help you recruit them."

"One of those people is your brother, he has a strong hold at the borders."

"I know, I'll talk to him personally, but the first person we should approach is Duke Thaddeus Ashvald."

"He is very powerful, Zhan."

"I know, that's why we need him."

"Alright, I trust you. After the hunt let's go to his estate." I nodded and after some time we heard footsteps.

Both Simon and I became alert, before I felt his presence and soon Yibo emerged from the bushes and as soon as he saw me he ran towards me, "Oh god..." he sighed and hugged me tightly, "Thank god you are okay." He hugged me so tightly as if his life depended on it, as if he was scared that I would vanish if he let me go. I noticed that he was cold, very cold and his clothes were soaked. Was he looking for me in the rain?

Finally after a long bone-crushing hug, he let me go and looked at me up and down, "Are you alright? Are you hurt anywhere? I was so scared when I heard that you fell from the cliff." he kept his hand over my face and I nearly flinched because of how cold his hands were.

"Were you running around in the rain?" I asked as I held his hand.

"How could I sit back when you were in danger." he said.

"Yibo..." I spoke, my heart was filled with warmth at this gesture. The storm was very heavy and it was also raining heavily accompanied by cold harsh wind, and to think that in those conditions this man was looking for me for god knows how long.

"Since when have you been looking for me?" I asked.

"Since I heard that you fell from the cliff."

I felt my throat clog up and suddenly it was hard to breathe again.

"Yibo..."

"Let's take you back." he said and then he finally looked at Prince Simon who was looking at us with a complicated expression.

"Your Highness," Yibo finally acknowledged him, "Are you alright?"

"I am fine. Thankfully I am alive and it's all because of General Xiao."

Yibo gave him a nod, "Let's go back to the camp."

~~

Once we reached the camp, everyone was gathered around us, the emperor and the crown prince were also there. My parents rushed towards me, asking me how I was.

"What happened?" the emperor asked and I replied.

"I was roaming the grounds when I met Prince Simon, he was being chased by assassins. Those assassins were from Silver Echo, at least tens of them. I helped him fight them and we were forced into a corner, and while fighting them we fell down the cliff."

"Yes, that's what happened." Simon added, "We are fine though, thanks to General Xiao, I am still alive."

Everyone heard us and then my mother spoke, "Who sent those assassins?"

My father added, "We can find that out later. Right now I guess you both should rest."

The emperor patted Simon's shoulder and looked at me and said, "You saved my son's life without caring for your own. I'll make sure that you are rewarded."

I nodded and then looked at Gideon, who did not look pleased at all. I gave Simon one look and nodded, "I think we should all go and rest, and maybe we should increase the security around Prince Simon."

Gideon suddenly spoke and his voice was laced with annoyance, "Yes sure, why don't you personally guard him while you are at it?"

"Actually that's a good idea." I spoke, "I might as well personally investigate who was the one who hired assassins to kill him. And since those assassins were from Silver Echo, and that too tens of them, the one who hired them must be a very strong and influential person." I said as I looked right at him.

Gideon was not happy after hearing that.

Finally the emperor spoke, "We can discuss all of this later. First let's go back to our tents and rest. I will increase the security around Simon."

Everyone agreed. I gave Simon a subtle nod before my gaze fell on Yibo who was standing quietly. His clothes were still soaked and I am damn sure he must be freezing in this weather.

I finally took my leave and walked to my tent and on my way I signaled Yibo to follow me.

"My Lord." I heard Haoxuan's voice. He immediately went on his knees, "I am sorry, my lord. I failed to protect you. You nearly died. I am not worthy to protect you... I should just..."

"Stop." I said as I gently placed my hands around him and helped him get up. He was still looking at the ground and wouldn't look at me.

"I do not blame you, Haoxuan, you do not have to feel guilty."

"But my lord..."

"Haoxuan, it was not your fault." I said more firmly. He finally gave me a nod, "I will guard the tent." he said before he walked out.

"You should have scolded him a little." Yibo said as he walked inside the tent, still in those same soaked clothes.

I wasted no time and pulled him into my arms. He came willingly and rested his head on my shoulder, but after a few seconds he pulled back, "I am still soaked... you'll get cold."

I held his hands, they were as cold as ice, "Who told you to run around in the rain?" I asked.

Yibo gave me a sharp look, "And who the hell told you to put your life in danger huh! Zhan you could have fucking died! I was so scared, you have no idea!"

I do have an idea. I know what it's like to lose everything, family, friends and love. I know what it is to see the love of your life die right in front of your eyes. I know very well how soul crushing it feels.

"Let me warm you up." I said. I slowly opened his clothes but he stepped back, he was still angry, "You are not getting out of this so easily, how dare you put yourself in danger like that!"

"I am sorry. But I couldn't just let the prince die. You know that." I said as I undid his upper garments and removed them.

"God I was scared to death." Yibo sighed. I gently kissed him on the lips and then on his neck and then on his shoulder, followed by his chest. At the same time I undid his pants and removed them too.

His entire body was so cold and now he was shivering a little. I wrapped my hands around his waist and whispered in his ears, "Jump."

He wasted no time and wrapped his legs around me while I kissed him on the lips and took him to the bed.

I put him down on the bed and kissed him feverishly and in between the kisses I whispered,

"Let me apologize properly for making you scared."