Ashes. A promise beyond death

Chapter 8: A Thousand Years Ago (Part I)

"Yu Bin! Wake up already! How long do you plan on sleeping?" a young girl's voice pierced through the still air of the room, accompanied by the sound of heavy curtains being flung open. Sunlight flooded the chamber, drenching everything in golden light.

Beneath a tangle of silken blankets, a groggy voice mumbled, "Just a little longer, please."

"No chance. His Highness sent me to get you up. Word is, you're starting your training today," the girl announced with a mischievous smile.

That changed everything. The sleeping figure shot upright so quickly that the other girl flinched. Yu Bin emerged—petite, with long, flowing black hair and mischievous brown eyes, her lips curling into an excited grin.

"Today’s the day? Really? My mother told me I’d be trained by the most skilled and wise person in the kingdom," she exclaimed, bouncing to her feet and racing to the window. She took in the sun-drenched landscape with wide, eager eyes.

The girl with her—Ming Fang, Yu Bin’s closest friend—laughed and patted her shoulder. "Only because you begged for it."

Yu Bin turned around with a sly grin. "Exactly. If she’s so wise, she’ll know to leave me alone when I need a nap. And I hear she’s nice. That helps."

"You’re lucky," Ming Fang said affectionately. "Now come on, let’s get you dressed."

After a luxurious bath, Ming Fang helped Yu Bin dress in a pale blue robe adorned with delicate embroidery. Outside, the sun was warm and the wind soft, carrying the scent of morning blossoms.

"Ah, what a beautiful day!" Yu Bin exclaimed, arms stretched wide.

Her joy didn’t last long.

"Please keep your voice down. You're disturbing the peace," came a sharp voice from nearby.

Yu Bin spun toward the speaker, affronted. A young man sat beneath a flowering tree, a book in hand, not even glancing up as he spoke.

"And who are you to tell me to be quiet? If you're looking for silence, go to the library," she retorted.

"Annoying..." he muttered, flipping a page.

"What? How dare you speak to me like that! Do you even know who I am?"

He finally looked up, his gaze calm and unreadable. "Princess Yu Bin."

Then he stood, closed his book, and walked away without another word.

"You—!" she began, but her words died on her lips. Her fists clenched in silent fury.

How can someone speak to me like that? And just walk away? Doesn’t he care who I am? she thought, eyes narrowing as his silhouette disappeared.

"Yu Bin!" her mother’s voice rang out, pulling her from her thoughts.

"Yes, Mother?"

"We must go. Your new master is waiting."

"Right," Yu Bin replied, forcing a smile. Her annoyance faded as she followed her mother through the winding palace halls. The Queen, elegant and composed, unsheathed her ceremonial sword, and with a nod to the guards, they left for the training grounds.

---

"Master, are you really going to train that wild princess?" the boy from earlier burst into a modest study, exasperation clear on his face.

Bao Fang, poised and serene, turned to her young disciple with a smile. "Xian Chen, mind your manners. She's royalty."

"She’s also insufferable. Why train her? She has no discipline."

"She will be our queen someday. And I’ve heard she’s quite beautiful... You saw her today, didn’t you?"

Xian Chen remained silent, avoiding her gaze.

Bao Fang chuckled knowingly. "So it’s true."

Just then, a knock sounded at the door.

"Ah, that must be them," she said, straightening her robes.

"Master, please—don’t mention I’m your disciple."

"Why not?"

"Just don’t. Please."

"Very well, as you wish," she said indulgently. As Xian Chen disappeared out the window, she walked to the door and opened it.

The Queen stood there, tall and regal. "Master Bao Fang, how are you settling in?"

"Quite well, Your Majesty. The realm is beautiful."

"I’m glad to hear that. This is my daughter, Yu Bin. I leave her in your care. Train her well. No matter what it takes, make her strong."

"You have my word."

"Thank you." The Queen turned to her daughter. "Yu Bin, behave yourself."

"I’m not a child anymore, Mother. I’m sixteen."

"All the more reason to act like it."

With a final nod, the Queen departed. Bao Fang closed the door behind her.

"So… you’re my master," Yu Bin said, crossing her arms. "I hear you’re very wise. That means you know what’s good for you."

Bao Fang turned slowly, amusement dancing in her eyes. "Do I?"

"Yes. You know I’m the princess. Which means you listen to me."

"Oh, is that how it works?" Bao Fang asked, stepping forward with an arched brow. "Then why are you here to learn? Shouldn’t you be teaching me?"

Yu Bin blinked, unsure how to respond.

"Sit," Bao Fang said firmly, pointing to the cushion across from her.

"You can’t talk to me like that."

"And yet I just did."

Yu Bin hesitated, then obeyed.

Bao Fang studied her for a moment. "You’ve got spirit, Princess. But spirit without discipline is just noise. If you want to be strong, I can teach you. If you want to be feared, go back to the palace and yell at servants."

Yu Bin sat straighter. "I want to be strong."

"Then we begin at dawn tomorrow. Bring your sword."

"Can’t we start now?"

Bao Fang’s eyes twinkled. "I thought you wanted a nap."

Yu Bin flushed. "Well, I changed my mind."

Bao Fang laughed. "Good. That’s a start."

Outside, a gentle breeze stirred the cherry blossoms. The world looked peaceful, unaware of the bond beginning to form within those walls—a bond that would one day be tested beyond imagination.

---

From the trees beyond the window, Xian Chen watched silently. His dark eyes followed Yu Bin’s every move. He didn’t understand her. She was loud, spoiled, impulsive—and yet...

She had a fire in her that was impossible to ignore.

He didn’t want to admit it yet, but something about her unsettled him in a way he couldn’t explain. Something told him that their fates were already tangled.

And that one day, everything would change.