I AlwaYs havE AnD I AlwayS WiLL --PART-2-TimE & AgaiN" Ongoing.

" New Acquaintances..." Chapter 5 is up. NEW!

Chapter 5
New Acquaintances....

Chonging, 1858:

"A minor glitch, but overall successful," was all Reina would tell Wei Ying in the morning, no matter how Wei Ying worded his questions regarding Reina's detour into the present.

"Besides," said Reina, giving him a trunk of clothes and other things Wei Ying would need, "You have enough on your plate with the past. I wouldn't want you to break your head worrying about the present as well. Besides, your family will hear the news in a short while anyway, so there's no worry there."

Wei Ying and Reina carried the heavy trunk between them as they walked along to the palace grounds. All the while, Reina kept up a steady stream of encouragement and advice.

"Okay-and this is just a friendly advice- try not to get too...attached to anyone from the past. I mean,try not to..fall in love with anyone from here. Because-" and here, for the first time, Wei Ying heard Reina's voice shake, " That sometimes is the worst thing that could happen, given that you would never be able to be united with your love. You realise that, don't you?"

Wei Ying looked at Reina curiously. Why did she seem suddenly nervous and no longer sure of herself? Deciding not to ask, Wei Ying merely nodded. Reina relaxed at once, her bright smile reappeared.

" Here we are," said Reina, as they reached the gates. "I'm leaving you once we reach the King. We'll meet next week, all right?" she said, noting the disappointed look on Wei Ying's face.

After the King officially designated Wei Ying as Princess Qing Su's attendant, Princess Qing tugged at his sleeve.

Wei Ying looked at her in surprise. He jerked his head towards the exit.

Princess set off briskly, while Wei Ying followed after a pause. She led Wei Ying to the gardens of the palace, and then slowed down so she and him were on the same level.

Wei Ying stared.

Artistically cut hedges circled the lush lawns, and flowers of every hue adorned the sides. Wei Ying had never seen something that was so beautiful yet forbidding in a strange way.

They walked on in silence. The Princess broke the silence first. "So, is it your nature to remain silent or are you too shy to speak?" she asked Wei Ying, arching her beautiful brows.

Wei Ying looked at her in shock. "No, actually- I thought you were angry at me" he said, fumbling over the words. He wondered if Princess Qing was aware of how awe-inspiring she was.

"My anger was not directed at you," said Lady Qing. "It was not your fault; it was my father's whim."

Wei Ying wondered if Princess Qing and her father were not on the best terms.

"Is it true you are widely travelled?" said the Princess.

"Yes, actually, I spent a while in France and England," replied Wei Ying humbly.

Stick to the truth as much as possible, he thought.

"I see," said The Princess. "And you like to read?"

Wei Ying replied in the affirmative, and the princess smiled at him, a dazzling smile that lightened up her entire face.

"Why- if I may ask, do you cover your face?" she asked.