The Dragon Prince's Warrior

Anxious Wait

Prince Yun was left alone in the room as his inner conflict grew with each passing second. One part of him told him it was for the best, as this way, the gossipmongers' voices would reach his family's ears, and they would know he was okay. On the other hand, he didn't want to create an unnecessary scandal, especially when he felt pursued by diabolical beings threatening from all sides.

"I'll have to wait for the universe to act as it sees fit. I need to get home soon," Yun said to himself as he lay down. "Besides... I hope I'll be allowed to see her. I need to find out everything not from a nurse's mouth but with my own eyes."

As these thoughts swirled in his head, another one added to his torment. The uncertainty of whether it was he who failed in seeking the Fenghuang, or if his father was right and that legendary bird was nothing more than simple symbolism in which the people of China placed their faith.

"But... the dragons, the armor..." Yun shook his thoughts. "I'm very confused because even with that armor and sword, even with the strength I gained in combat, I couldn't even see the Fenghuang, let alone take one of its feathers. I feel like I'm in an abyss of unanswered questions."

Meanwhile, the euphoric and dainty footsteps moved from one of the intensive care rooms to the specialist doctor's office. The excitement she felt didn't even allow her to breathe; she leaned against the wall with a hand on her chest due to what she was feeling.

"For heaven's sake, I was flirting with the prince... I slapped the prince! I'm going to hell!", she thought as she prepared to run down the main corridor to reach the doctor's office.

True to her intentions, at least the entire staff of healers and doctors became aware of Prince Yun Qing's admission. For a moment, they all paused their tasks to gather in the room where he was staying.

Discussions about the honor this represented couldn't be avoided, and the boasting of the head doctor resonated loudly, glorifying the hospital's name in every other sentence.

When Yun noticed, the bows began, and people crowded into the room; some tried to observe from outside but without success. People were more than excited to have one of the princes from the Forbidden City there. The head doctor rearranged everyone in their tasks and personally offered to attend to him; his amazement knew no bounds.

Yun, on the other hand, didn't feel very comfortable with the situation. He was immediately moved to the most comfortable chamber, laid on the most luxurious bed the hospital had, and the care he began to receive was far different from what he had when he was incognito.

Once all the staff returned to their duties, the doctor stayed a moment longer attending to the prince.

"Your Majesty... Is there anything else I can assist you with? Is everything okay with your stay?" he inquired with a wide smile, his body inclined and hands together.

"Actually, there is something," Yun commented.

"For you, anything, Your Majesty. Just ask, and it will be granted," the doctor affirmed as he toyed with one of his long mustaches between the fingers of one hand.

"I need to see Miss Wu Siu immediately," Yun demanded seriously.

"I won't refuse your request... but, Your Highness, I'm afraid you'll have to wait at least a couple of hours to see her. She's undergoing surgery right now. You see, her wounds are very deep; we had to stitch the cuts one by one and wait a certain time between operations. It hasn't been an easy task, and unfortunately, she hasn't woken up from the coma she's in. They're just finishing now. I hope you understand, Your Majesty."

"I understand. Then, as soon as possible, I need you to take me to her, please," Yun said, passing a hand over his forehead, glistening with the sweat of the anxiety that consumed him.

"If you wish, I can fan you with this," the doctor offered, taking an object made of long feathers and other materials to start blowing.

"That's not necessary; nevertheless, I appreciate your gesture," Yun said, raising his hand to stop the doctor.

"Of course, I understand. Sir, it's an honor to have you here. I'll be attentive to your needs whenever you wish. Just say it," the doctor assured.

"I only wish for you to do everything in your power to save her life," he requested, his voice quivering.

"Don't worry, my lord, she is in good hands," the doctor said with a bow and turned to leave the room.

"Oh, one more thing... When I can see her, I'll need a carriage. As you may know, I must get to the Palace as soon as possible. Surely you and all of China already know about my mother."

"A regrettable event, she was always kind to everyone. Before you, I offer my condolences," he commented, his head bowed. "Regarding the other matter, as you wish, Your Majesty; with permission."

The doctor left with great respect, and as soon as he left, his voice could be heard in the distance, possibly scolding all the healers. Yun inwardly shook his head in disappointment. Life measured the value and respect towards others only by their position or renown, when everyone should be treated equally.

Yun sighed and prepared to wait patiently for any news of Siu, but those "couple of hours" doubled. The time for his acupuncture treatment arrived, and although he asked the doctor a thousand times about Siu, he received vague and unbelievable answers. All of this, combined with his grief and disappointment in himself, only increased his despair.

Twilight had come, and it was also the prince's snack time. Because of Yun's incessant inquiries about his friend, the doctor, perhaps tired of his demands, sent the nurse who had slapped him in the morning. Presumably, she would tell him the truth, as she had already done so earlier.

The nurse entered and properly bowed before placing the golden tray on the small table next to the prince's bed. He hesitated for a moment, debating whether he should ask her, although it was obvious, as he wouldn't have another opportunity.

"Miss Nurse, do you have a moment?" he asked, and the girl turned to him nervously, only to hide it with another bow.

"Yes, Your Highness, of course," she responded as if she were a robot.

"Hours ago, the doctor hasn't given me any news about my friend Wu Siu... How is she? Is she stable? Has she woken up?"

The nurse was momentarily paralyzed by the question and swallowed hard. But, now that it was the prince asking, she knew she couldn't deny him the information, so she lifted her gaze and looked him in the eyes.

"Perhaps I am not the right person to tell you this, Your Highness. But you promised to keep my position safe, and I know you will act with discretion regarding what I'm about to tell you," she cleared her throat before proceeding. "A few moments ago, the doctor declared her dead, and he no longer allowed us to approach her body. I don't know what will happen next, but I hope he will give you the news personally."

Yun swallowed hard; his heart couldn't bear another disappointment to add to the many he had already accumulated.

"Dead... That can't be; I refuse to believe it until I see it with my own eyes," Yun thought as his hands clenched in frustration, and he prepared to get up from that bed.