RIN

"Yes." An Sun confirmed this statement calmer than she'd expect. He didn't show any remorse to admitting his tragic truth.

It all suddenly seemed to make sense to her. The scars on his back and chest. The reason for why the An Clan despised him. Everything she had ever picked up on An Sun, suddenly all came together.

The sound of rain seemed to fade from her ears. All she heard was the sound of her own pounding heart.

"I am my father's least favorite son. I never wanted to overthrow him or my brother at any time. However, from the start, I lived to oppose my father. All this was because I was branded the title of his son. That's why I want to take the world…a land with my own hands. Even if I'm not a king, I'll still become a true and absolute ruler for everyone to see."

"Why…"

Why was he telling her this? His dreams, his past, they were all sacred to him…and yet why…

An Sun stared at her. A black strand of hair fell in front of his eyes, but he didn't move it away. Only when he leaned forward, did it fall to the side of his cheek. Rin felt a strand of his hair tickle her cheek as she looked up to stare into those deep, gray eyes.

"I told you before, but since you seemed to have forgotten I'll repeat it." There was something lively, almost humorous in An Sun's eyes.

Leaning closer, he gently smiled. "I want you by my side."

Rin blinked. Then blinked again, looking at him with such a strange expression, An Sun couldn't help but laugh.

He…he was laughing.

Rin's eyes lowered to her feet.

It must be difficult for him to bear something so heavy on his back. Not just the scars on his body, but throughout his whole life—the title of the An Clan's son.

Lost in her thoughts, Rin felt a gentle flick on her forehead. Surprised, she glanced up to see An Sun gazing down at her with a grin.

"Make sure to remember my words this time." He chuckled.

Rin frowned and rubbed her forehead.

"I didn't forget…" She mumbled.

Seeing the right brow on his handsome face raise, Rin turned her face away with a pout.

"I'm glad then. I hope you will still remember when I ask you again in the future. Although…I'm hoping to get a clearer response than from last time." An Sun said softly, a tint of helplessness in his voice.

Rin pursed her lips, unsure of how to respond to his words. He just smiled and turned to see the rain had stopped.

"It's late. You need to rest." An Sun's eyes stared out into the night, the smell of dewy rain permeating throughout the balcony.

"…Yes." Rin nodded her head and hesitantly turned to leave.

Just before she stepped away, she paused. After a few seconds, she finally turned around to look An Sun directly in the face.

Finally, she managed to gather her thoughts, and said in a soft, but firm voice, "My answer…will be yes."

An Sun's eyes widened in surprise. Unknowingly, he stepped closer, their eyes still locked on one another.

"Do you know what you're saying?" His low, deep voice asked her through his darkened gaze.

Rin stared back without a particular change in expression. Until she suddenly smiled.

"Yes, I do."

That night neither would forget the blooming feeling of a new beginning.

…

Far away from the Western lands lies the Eastern Empire. In the palace, a tall man with his hands behind his back stared out at the rising sun. A gentle but cool breeze fluttered the dark strands of loose hair from his bun. It carried with it the fragrance of the earth, soft after the washing of the rain.

Summer had already seemed to be fading away, slowly welcoming the arrival of fall.

"Your Majesty," The deep voice of an emissary sounded behind him.

Without turning his back, Li Chang responded. "What have you gathered?"

"The Western army has retreated from the Eastern borders. However, it seems to be they are under attack by another force."

Li Chang was unconcerned. "Who?"

When the emissary didn't respond, Li Chang's expression became chilling. Turning, he stared at the emissary with deep eyes unflinching. They were a dark onyx flecked with gold, as luminous as they were merciless.

"Speak." Li Chang said forcefully. He was growing impatient.

The emissary felt a shiver up his spine. "The An Clan, your Majesty."

The words hung between them, huge, sharp, poisoned.

"The An Clan…those piling barbarians will stop at nothing for power." Li Chang's voice was colder than ice.

"They recently issued an attack on the western province, Tongshu."

"The result?" Li Chang could only think the result was the same as the other provinces. However, for the emissary to bring it up must mean something else must have transpired.

"The An Clan lost, your Majesty." The emissary informed him.

Li Chang's face gave no hint as to how he felt on the matter. "How is this so?"

"The Western Empire recently recruited a new strategist. It was because of him they were able to succeed."

It was only then the emperor's expression shifted. His brows furrowed deeply. Silent for a moment, Li Chang fixed his gaze back on the emissary.

"Find me more information on this strategist of theirs." He ordered calmly.

"Yes, your Majesty."

"You're dismissed." Li Chang waved his hand with a flick of his long sleeve and looked back at the view.

By now, the sun came out of its abode across the brilliant orange horizon and glimmered in the sky. It slowly rose above the scarlet skyline, spreading its warmth from across the land. Li Chang felt anything but its warmth.

The gentle breeze, the rising sun—everything had been looked passed upon by his cold heart. Just as the sun rose from beneath the land, somehow Li Chang sensed something unpleasant was soon to rise.

A war.