Four: You happened

Within that 12 hour long plane ride, Chase was silent. He was sweating cold and very nervous.

He wanted to bow down to Vernon and beg for forgiveness immediately when he saw how mad he is when he learned what happened to Shan.

It was the truth, what he said was the whole truth and Vernon was right, he was send by Mikhail to make Shan a bait to bring Vernon back.

Mikhail wasn't really enthusiastic about making Vernon come home but he was ordered by the emperor so he had no choice. He was threatened by Vernon, Or rather–his place as an heir is being threatened by Vernon, that's what it was.

Because he knew that the genes Vernon has from the lineage of the Emperor was stronger than his. If Vernon claims that he is the heir, then both of them have to fight for it, ofcourse he has the upper hand.

The monarchy of china was gone decades ago and was replaced by democracy.. well that's what people thinks but the truth is, the president and their government was merely puppet of the imperial family.

The ones who rule over china isn't democracy but the monarchy that the people thought was gone.

And now, since the current emperor can't have an heir, they conduct a search for the rightful heir to the throne and will rule over china wisely.

Years ago they found someone who will be the perfect fit but died in refusal to take the throne. And now that the emperor is sick, the next ruler must be decided.

----

Vernon's POV

As soon as the plane landed, i was one of the first people getting out leaving Chase behind.

But i had to wait for him outside since i remembered that I don't know where to go.

I felt sour the moment i step foot at this place, almost wanting to throw up. After almost half an hour, Chase showed up, pale and has cold sweat all over his forehead.

"You better have a good reason why you did all this. " I whispered. He nodded nervously.

We reached the exit and i was surprised to see a luxurious car parked before of my eyes. There were six body guards lined up in two's, making a clear path for us towards the car and a driver that was waiting for us.

When i reached the car, the driver was trembling while opening the door.

"Stop trembling, you might get us into an accident if you keep that up. " I scowled.

The driver bowed, still shaking and repeatedly said 'forgive me'.

"Just drive. " I hissed before i went inside the car and shut the door my self. Chase and the driver was left outside but they got inside eventually. Chase was seated beside the driver and sat there stiffly.

The bodyguards have their own ride and followed us from behind on the way to the so called palace.

---

"Your highness, we're here. " The driver said after the five hour drive. Chase went out of the car to open the door for me but i did it first.

"I have my own hands. " I told him.

"Now lead me to where Shan is. " I demanded.

"But—"

"I said NOW! " I growled. I might have said that too loudl that it made the front doors open and someone wearing a formal attire went out.

Chase looked at him and bowed. " Your highness." He said. This must be Mikhail. He looks decent and nice but i sensed something different from him. Ofcourse, he's the one who ordered to lock Shan up in the Cold palace.

"Rise, I believe you are Vernon Wang? " He asked with a smile on his face.

"where is he? "

His brows furrowed "he? "

"Don't mess with me, you know who i am talking about! " I yelled at him.

"Ah yes, General Zhao's son. I believe i can't let you see him as of the moment. Come inside first, i will introduce you to the emperor. " he said still smiling. I want to rip off that fucking face.

"You, don't tell me what to do. If you won't tell me where he is, i will make sure you'll pay for it. " I threatened.

Mikhail backed off a step and looked surprised But he looks determined to introduce me to that freakin emperor.

"Don't even think about forcing me, i can kill you this instant if i want to. " I said as i held out a gun and pointed it to him. Some guards was about to come near to force me inside earlier, but now they all held a gun against me. they're just unfortunate I'm one step ahead of them. I got the gun from one of the body guards earlier, good thing my hands are quick.

"Put your guns down or I'll blow his head? All i wanted was to see Shan, and you're really making it hard for me. " I scowled.

Mikhail doesn't have any choice, He signaled his men to put their guns down and he ordered Chase to lead me to the cold palace.

"Fine, but you have to greet the emperor after. Chase will lead you the way. Here's the key. " He said and passed the key to a servant beside him whom i just noticed, then the servant gave the key to Chase.

I glared at him and followed Chase to the car. i put the gun inside my pocket. The bodyguard whom I've stolen the gun from looks like he wanted to get back his gun.

"Get a new one, this one's now mine. " I glared at him. He bowed and said 'Yes, your highness'

We got inside the car once again and Chase led the way, it took us half an hour to reach our destination.

Chase took out the key and opened the door to the palace. It looks abandoned and unhygienic. No wonder Shan got sick.

I immediately ran towards inside and searched for Shan.

Chase told me that he was going to wait outside and said that Shan was in the west side of the palace.

I called Shan's name and ran all over the place until i heard a cough from behind.

I immediately looked around and saw Shan looking at me shockingly. He looks so pale and his lips were chapped. He also had bags under his eyes, he looked terrible.

I immediately ran and hug him tightly.

"V-Vernon? " He asked like he still can't believe that i am here beside him.

"Yes, I'm here. It's alright now Shan.. " i whispered to him.

Tears formed in my eyes and soon, my eyes started to wet his shoulder. I hugged him tighter and i felt Shan did the same.

"I miss you so much Vernon." He said.

" I miss you too. "

"How did you get here? " He asked when we let go of the hug.

I held his face and caressed his cheeks with my thumb. "What have they done? " I uttered.

Shan was asking me something but all i can ever think about was how dull his eyes looked like. He wasn't like this the last time i saw him. He was happy, his eyes were so bright.

"Vernon? "

I placed my forehead in his "hm? "

"I asked you, how did you get here? " he repeated.

I chuckled "by plane ofcourse. " I said.

He smacked my arm but it felt like it was just a tap. He's so weak. And he's also burning too. They'll pay for this tenfold!

"Did something happen? " He asked.

I looked him in the eyes. "You...happened. " i said.

He looked at me confused.

" Don't think too much about it, you should rest."

He nodded his head. He looked sleepy so i carried him like a bride.

"I can walk. " He said and pushed me weakly.

" You can't even push me, how can you manage to walk? "

He went silent after that.

I asked him where he sleeps and he pointed a room. I walked towards there and carried him inside the room.

So far the room looks decent and livable but not enough for a person to live for a long time. I also saw bugs and some kind of insects.

Shan fell asleep in my arms while i was carrying him so i slowly laid him down on the bed.

I stared at him before i went to lay beside him, he snuggle up to me and i embraced his body.

I fell asleep like that, completely forgetting what was waiting for me once i get out of this place.