The Witch Bone

There was someone whose eyes had sparkled at the entrance of Wana. And his arrogant smile broadened. It was the Second Prince of Surya. The moment he saw her, he had decided that she will belong to him.

He had been spoilt by the king of Surya the moment he was born. The son of his favorite concubine who had died at childbirth, the king had redirected all his affections to his son. And thus he became an arrogant prince!

His father had even given his flying chariot to make the journey. He was that favored!

But he was not stupid either. Having lived among his many siblings who had powerful backings as well, he had learned to be cunning as well.

He decided to woo her and make her his by all means!

He knew that the kingdom of Soaring Dragon was not that powerful compared to his kingdom but his father had sent him because his father had respect for some non-existent god that used to be the king of Soaring Dragons thousands of years ago.

But he held no such fear. Initially, he had planned to extend his greetings to the Lord of the kingdom, leave behind the gifts and make his way home. But now his interest was piqued. He didn't mind staying back in this kingdom for some days.

He had a wide grin on his face dreaming about holding Wana in his arms. And made his way towards the Lord followed by his page behind him.

"Greetings, Lord of the Soaring Dragon, I am Ayush, the Second Prince of the kingdom of Surya. My royal father sends his greetings and well wishes to you and your son."

He motioned his hand forward and the page appeared bearing a c.h.e.s.t in both of his arms.

Ayush opened the c.h.e.s.t and instantly light burst out from inside. It dazzled everyone who was standing close to them.

When they had adjusted their eyes, to their disbelief, they saw a diamond as big a human head. It was not only that but there were several precious gems inside the c.h.e.s.t, black pearls, and bottles of exquisite perfumes. He closed the lid.

"A present from my father to the Young Lord."

Bai Yur didn't know what to say to this. He flicked his hand and a servant appeared and carried away the c.h.e.s.t.

"I thank your father then, and welcome you to tonight's feast, Second Prince of Surya Kingdom"

Ayush thought he had made an impression on everybody with his gifts and went back to his seat satisfied.

He had quickly sneaked a look at Wana and realized that she was more beautiful up close. He had not made a wrong choice, he thought. He had deliberately not looked at her to keep his game strong.

All this time Wana had a disinterested look in her eyes. Nobody could figure out what she was thinking but she clearly had an indifferent vibe about her. It discouraged people from approaching her.

In this way, many people started to greet and offer gifts to Bai Hua. And people started drinking and talking and enjoyed the various shows prepared for the celebration.

Meanwhile, Bai Hua had slowly inched towards the door and escaped to the garden before anyone found out he was missing. He had received the greetings and gifts. He thought it was unnecessary to linger on and receive more fake smiles from people he did not know and did not wish to know either.

He sat on a garden bench and relaxed under the night air. It was cold and crisp and he liked it. It did not contain the crowded human smell. And that made it all better.

He sighed and looked at the moon that seemed to be looking down at him as well.

"Shirking your duties again, Bai Hua?" said a charming voice from behind.

He thought it was the Head Shaman, thinking how she had nearly ripped off his ear lecturing him about how he had been shirking his duties thousands of years ago.

"You clearly know how much I dislike such parties yet you even show up to gloat at it. And father tells me you never attend such parties before. He feels quite hurt, you know?"

She laughed and it had a tinkling sound. A gentle wind blew towards him and he caught her smell. And it did not smell like the lotus which he had smelt from the space Imsong took him. Imsong had that smell. But this smell was different.

It was a wonderful smoky apple scent. He liked this smell.

"I am afraid you're mistaken," she said lowering her voice.

He turned his head to look at the speaker. What met his eyes was a young girl of around 17 years with long flaxen hair and beautiful eyes that was lake-blue in color when the moonlight hit her face.

And she was smiling.