When he finally regained consciousness, Song Mengyao opened his eyes to darkness. The pain he felt was excruciating, almost utterly unbearable. As he sat up, he closed his eyes again, running his fingers along the sides of the bandage that had been wrapped around them.

"A-Yun!"

The first voice he heard brought a strange sense of comfort, a feeling that it was alright. That he was alright. Or at least that he was going to be.

"What happened? Where are we?"

Master Yin, who had been sitting beside the prince all night and day, released a sigh of relief and smiled. "In your bedchambers. They had me carry you here when we came back."

The prince's head turned slightly as his fingers began to trace delicately over his eyes, careful not to bring back the pain he had felt from merely opening them. "What about my wounds? My eyes?"

The young master felt a heavy weight in his heart. He did not wish to be the bearer of bad news. But, with all bad news came a silver lining.

"They will recover. It will just—"

"Take time," the prince finished for him and allowed his hand to drop to his side.

Master Yin hummed, "Yes, the physician could not give an accurate judgement on time. It may take weeks, months, or even years. The rest of your wounds are healing well, though."

Song Mengyao nodded, although he could not help feeling somewhat lost knowing that he would be without his sight for quite some time. His Qi was strong, so his wounds generally healed at an accelerated speed but a wound this severe was new to him.

Most who encountered the Suān Shù Lóng and were lucky enough to survive the encounter had lost their sight permanently. For those that were lucky enough to have their eyes heal over time, it was rare for their sight to ever be quite the same again.

The young master noticed the melancholic aura that had engulfed the prince and opened his mouth to reassure him. Before he could speak a single word, however, another voice rang throughout the room.

"Brother!"

Jiaying flashed across the room, throwing her arms around her brother the moment she was in range. However, when he winced in pain, she was quick to step back again. With a sheepish smile, she apologised and sat beside him.

Just like that, the young master had found that another young girl had forced a space between him and the prince. Although he was relieved that this time it was Song Jiaying and not Meixiu again.

While the girl fussed over her brother, Yin Jianguo stood to leave, wishing to allow them some time alone.

However, despite not being able to see the young master prepare to leave, Song Mengyao felt his presence leave his side and called out to him with a questioning tone.

The young master stopped in his tracks, hand retracting from where it had settled against the door as he stepped back into the room with a hum drifting from behind his lips.

The prince did not know what possessed him to stop the young master from leaving, nor did he understand why he felt such an intense need to do so. Despite the lack of sense it made, he had still done it, catching even his sister off guard.

"I- Thank you. For bringing me back here and rescuing me once again. I apologise for being such a burden to you."

Master Yin walked back over and sighed. "You are not a burden, A-Yun. If I had gone in first it might have been me sitting where you are now. I am sorry that I was not fast enough to get them off of you."

Jiaying looked between the two of them, noticing how her brother acted when Master Yin was around. The difference was subtle, but it was there. Not only in the way he spoke but also in the way he carried himself. It was unlike him to expose his vulnerabilities to others, yet here he was doing just that.

She may have been young, but the princess was wise for her age. She was beginning to piece things together. Things her brother had yet to piece together himself.

***

There had been much talk all day between the leaders of the many Sects that had remained in Shiyanyi after the attack on the third prince. They had likely decided that they needed to pay more attention to the growing number of monsters.

Of course, to see monster attacks become more frequent before dropping off again was a common occurrence throughout the year, but it had never quite reached this scale before. The threat was real and, for so many strange occurrences, it was clear that there were darker forces at play. From the Huodou in Ningyi to the Xiangliu or the appearance of Suān Shù Lóng so close to Shiyanyi, something was so clearly very wrong.

Something was affecting the monsters, giving them more power and courage. Attacks were far too frequent and the death toll was rising by the day. If the young master were to be told that it was a coincidence and that no action would be taken, the Sect leaders would have gone completely mad.

Despite the many guests that had remained, a few had begun their journeys home the morning after the wedding. After the attack. They had their own concerns and problems of their own to resolve. There was also the assumption that Shiyanyi was unsafe, perhaps even close to becoming overrun by monsters itself. Of course, the Song Sect had denied those assumptions and met the concern by sending their disciples on regular patrols around the outskirts of the palace.

Master Yin had been kept somewhat up to date with any developments over the past day. It had been difficult, however, since he refused to leave the young prince's side until he awoke and, when he finally did, the discussions were almost over. What was left of the remaining guests were setting off to begin their journey home.

Song Mengyao, despite being told to stay in bed and rest, had insisted on a walk. Of course, this time it would only be around the gardens for a while.

The cool air would help him relax. That is what he had said. Although even Jiaying knew he only wanted to prove that he would not be bedridden over some minor injuries. Despite knowing that the damage to his eyes was anything but minor.

If his Qi had not been so strong, Song Mengyao would not have had the capability to walk while covered in so many deep wounds. Thanks to his consistent meditation and the luck of having a strong life force to begin with, the other wounds had already begun to heal quite well. With proper treatment, they would heal completely within a week or so. It was yet another incentive for the young master to take on board the teachings in meditation the prince had given him.

The injury to his eyes, however, was another matter entirely.

As they slowly walked the grounds, Lady Yin approached alongside Empress Song, who frowned when she saw her son out of bed so soon. He was lightly holding onto his sister's arm, allowing her to guide him as they made their way through the garden.

"Yun? What are you doing out here? You should be resting."

The prince turned his head slightly, ears picking up the sound of his mother's gentle voice, and smiled. "I am fine, Mother. I just wished to get some fresh air."

"Your mother is right; you should not be out here. It will not help your recovery if you gain a fever from walking around in the snow," Lady Yin agreed, glancing over to her own son as if she were scolding him for allowing the prince to leave his room.

"A-Yun is stronger than he looks."

Surprised by the mention of his birth name, even the Empress furrowed her brows with a frown. It was unusual for the young master to use it so casually and, although the prince let out a sigh the moment it left his lips, it was unusual for him to allow someone other than his family to call him by that name.

"You are not wrong there; we only worry about his condition. At least return to bed for a few more days. You will need to be at your best when your father and brother leave."

Song Mengyao turned his head to Lady Yin, almost as if he were startled by her words. "They are leaving? Where are they going?"

The Empress sighed. "They are heading out to locate the root of the evil that has been affecting the monsters. As your eldest brother is away with his bride, Song Chonglin will be accompanying your father. They depart this evening and may not be back for some time."

"Yes, we too will be leaving this evening. Qingyi needs us in these troubled times."

"I will remain here," the young master stated, sounding very much as though he had already made up his mind on the matter.

Lady Yin frowned. "What do you mean you will stay here? You must return to Qingyi with us. Our Sect needs to conduct our own investigation into the matter."

Master Yin glanced over to the prince, eyes scanning over the bandages that were wrapped firmly around his head, blocking his damaged eyes from all harmful, outside light, and shook his head. "No, I am needed here. A-Yun needs someone by his side until his sight returns."

"Jiaying and I will look after him. There is no need to concern yourself with such matters, Master Yin."

"Will you even help him bathe and change his clothes? Surely it would be improper for a man of his age to rely on his mother and sister for such things," Master Yin argued, catching everyone somewhat off guard.

Song Mengyao, for the first time, spoke up about the matter as he stepped forward out of his sister's reach to stand on his own. It was as if he were trying to prove a point. "It is fine, Mother. Master Yin is a trusted friend. If he wishes to stay here we should allow him to do so. I am sure the Yin Clan will get by without him for a while."

Although it was unexpected, the young master could not help but smile when the prince voiced his opinion on the matter. He wanted him to stay, or he simply knew that there would be no changing Yin Jianguo's mind on the matter.

"Very well. Master Yin, you are welcome to stay here in Shiyanyi for as long as you wish. I will have a room prepared for you. Please take my son back to his room to rest, he can go for another walk tomorrow."

With a smile, he bowed to the Empress and turned to Song Mengyao, raising his arm for the prince to take.

He made sure to carefully escort the blinded prince through the snow-clad gardens as they began their walk back.

"You can go home, you know. I do not need a babysitter."

It was amusing to hear such words after the prince contested his mother to allow Master Yin to stay in Shiyanyi. He knew his words were only for show. He wanted to sound as though he did not care if the young master stayed or left. Or, perhaps, he just did not want to admit that he needed someone he trusted by his side while he was getting used to his new vulnerable state.

Adjusting to life without sight would be a trifling matter indeed. He used to walk with such grace and, although Song Mengyao still managed to compose himself well before others, the slight tension Master Yin could feel in his arm reminded him that the prince was not quite okay.

Would he ever see again? Yes, his Qi was strong enough to help his eyes recover eventually, but how long would that take? What if it really would be years? Until then, he would have to learn to see with other things. When his eyes were of no use, he would need to rely on his other senses to guide him.

"Why go home? Home is boring. Besides, the flowers are far too pretty here, I wish to stay until the snow melts so I can see them in the sun again."

There was no reply from the prince as they continued to walk along. Their conversation had come to an end and a comfortable silence had fallen over them, refusing to retreat even as they entered the prince's bedchambers once again.

Song Mengyao did not release Master Yin's arm until he could feel the edge of his bed, being too afraid of losing his way had he tried to transverse the room on his own.

It was comforting to know that the young master was there and that he would not judge him or call him a cripple for needing someone else to guide him around.

He sat down, fingers once again dancing along the side of the bandages that rested against the tender skin of his eyes.

Master Yin sighed. "Get some rest. In the morning I will have the maids run you a bath."

The prince hummed, delicately curling his fingers inwards as he retracted his hand from the soft fabric of the bandages that protected his eyes. Master Yin waited as he climbed into bed, making sure that he would be alright until morning before he left.

***

The next day, when the snow began to sparkle under the rising sun, Master Yin fetched a maid and asked with a smile for her to prepare a warm bath for the prince.

He was hesitant when he arrived outside of Song Yun's bedchambers again, unsure of whether to knock or simply come in. Upon thinking it over, he decided that it would be rude of him to simply enter. Although he doubted Song Yun would even scold him if he did. So he allowed his knuckles to firmly knock against the wooden door.

There was a moment of pause but, as his knuckles prepared to knock again, the voice from inside beckoned him in.

When he walked into the room, the prince was already sitting up. His back was straight and proper as his head cocked to the side ever so slightly, causing his loose hair to drape ever so elegantly over one shoulder. "Master Yin?"

Song Mengyao was almost certain that it was the young master. He had been promised an early morning bath, after all. However, a small part of him wondered if the young master would send a maid in his stead.

Master Yin simply hummed in confirmation and approached, carefully taking the prince's hand to guide it to rest against his arm, providing support and guidance, as the prince climbed out of bed.

A warmth grew upon Song Mengyao's cheeks at the gesture. A warmth that was short-lived as he left the comfort of his bed and stepped out into the cold room.

***

It was large for a private bathing room with a square tub carved into the very ground in the centre of the room. It was big enough for multiple people, probably about three or four, with enough space around the sides for servants and maids to go about while they scrubbed arms or washed hair.

The young master chuckled to himself as he could not imagine Song Yun allowing anyone to help him bathe under normal circumstances. He was far too stubborn and, although he tried to hide it, much too bashful for such things.

"Hold your arm out and turn around."

Master Yin furrowed his brows, wondering what Song Yun intended to do. Upon hearing a lack of movement from the young master, the prince sighed and held out the young master's arm with one hand before turning his body with the other. "Stay like this. I can undress myself, but I will need a hand getting in. Do not turn around until I am in the water."

The young master smiled softly. He was simply relieved that he was not being pushed out of the door. It was dangerous for the prince to be stepping in and out of the bath by himself without any sight. He could so easily misstep and slip, so it was comforting that he at least knew to let someone help him until he got used to life without vision.

Yin Jianguo had to withhold himself from the thought of looking when the sound of fabric unfolding met his ears. It was harder still when he heard the robes fall to the floor and a gentle hand reached out, holding onto his arm for support as the water began to swish about signalling that the prince had stepped down into the bath.

The young master had to lower his arm, bending his knees a little to do so, before the prince let go to sit down, confident that he was able to do so on his own. When he was sure he was hidden by the steam, he mumbled out a quiet word allowing Master Yin to turn back around.

"Have your mother and sister left for Qingyi yet?"

Master Yin reached for a cloth, wetting it in the bath. "Not yet, they wanted to wish you goodbye properly," he wrung the cloth before softly dragging it along the prince's shoulders, "They are going to depart this afternoon along with some of your disciples. I must thank your father for arranging an escort for them. Not that I doubt my own men but given how dangerous the roads are now I am thankful for his gesture."

Following a quiet hum from Song Mengyao's lips, the air delved into silence once again. He sat quietly with his bandaged eyes closed as Master Yin continued to scrub his body. The feeling of the soft material running so smoothly against his skin was pleasant, but it was the hands that guided the cloth which brought a strange sense of comfort to him.

Occasionally, their skin would touch for the briefest of moments. Fingers gliding over his back only to be replaced with cloth once again. The slight pressure that came from those familiar hands as the dirt was washed from his body was unusually welcoming and gentle. It was nice, as strange as that notion seemed to be.

"A-Yun."

The prince hummed again, leaning back slightly as he relaxed, allowing the warm embrace of the water to take hold of his tired body. He had been resting for over a day, yet he was still tired. Still aching.

"I need to re-bandage your eyes. Keep them shut for a while. It is not too bright in here, but the light may still hurt."

Song Mengyao nodded and tilted his head forwards, allowing Master Yin to begin slowly unwrapping the bandages. As each layer fell off, it was as though the outside world was a little closer, yet still so far away.

With a finger curling under the prince's chin, the young master smiled, although it was a somewhat sad one. "Turn your head this way."

As expected, the skin around the prince's eyes was badly damaged. For any normal person, it would certainly leave a scar. For Song Mengyao, however, one day the awful mark on his face would be nothing but a distant memory.

His hand pressed carefully against the side of the prince's face, thumb tenderly stroking over the bruised and disfigured skin that resided under his eye.

Almost instinctively, Song Mengyao felt his head tugging back, pulling away ever so slightly the moment the thumb came into contact with his rough skin. Not because it hurt, but because it reminded him that he did not look like himself.

"Does it hurt?"

The prince shook his head. "No, I- Just put the bandages back on."

Master Yin, however, simply brushed his thumb back over the skin again in a way that was far too gentle. "We should wash your hair first. Keep your eyes shut, the light will only make them worse. Just bear with it a little while longer."

The prince wanted to protest, to take the bandages and tie them around his damaged face immediately to hide it, although he did not understand why. It was only Master Yin, a man he hated not too long ago, and yet he did not want him to see him this way. He wanted to preserve the memory of his face as it had been before the attack. How it would be once again someday.

It was only Master Yin so, why did he care so much?

Nevertheless, he allowed the young master to do what it was he wanted and waited patiently for him to wash through his hair. It was enjoyable, the feeling of his fingers gently combing out the tangles that had formed over the past couple of days.

Song Mengyao had not had someone help him bathe since he was a child. He grew out of it rather quickly, growing a need for independence by the time he was but nine years old. He was the Magnolia Prince of Shiyanyi, after all. A man of grace, strength and beauty. He did not need aid in such trivial matters and, perhaps, he simply enjoyed his time alone.

Having Master Yin with him, helping him wash, was an unusual thing. He did now know why, but it felt as though he could relax. It was not uncomfortable or embarrassing. In fact, it was rather pleasant. There was something calming about his presence. His gaze. His touch. Even when he felt a newfound sense of insecurity about his injuries.

The bath came to an end much sooner than he would have liked, but he was relieved to have his eyes bandaged again. The hideous wound that lay beneath was hidden once again, his vulnerability still visible from the bandages alone, but his composure returned.

Yin Jianguo, however, did not see anything hideous when he removed the bandages from Song Yun's eyes. All he saw was someone he cared about in pain and that, in return, brought pain to him. There was a tight feeling in his chest, the feeling that something was about to burst within him, lashing out. He blamed himself for what had happened to Song Yun, despite knowing that there was no way either of them could have known what was lurking around in the forest that day.

Still, he felt a sense of responsibility for what had happened and a desire to protect Song Yun from all harm that may befall him.

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