Sein and Zeya watched the pale light turn golden as the sun skirted over the horizon. Many of the men were already awake, moving through their morning routines as the camp slowly stirred to life.
Small fires were lit beneath blackened clay pots, and the scent of woodsmoke and boiling rice drifted through the air.
Saw Win had already taken charge of the cooking, crouched beside the largest fire with two men assisting him as they chopped vegetables and stirred the simmering pots.
Before long, Khin Yu made his way towards the couple. As he approached, he cleared his throat, making sure his presence was known before stepping closer.
Sein and Zeya glanced around to see him bow low, as he always did first thing in the morning before the Crown Prince.
"Morning, Khin Yu," Zeya said.
"Your Highness, Lady Sein," Khin Yu greeted them, causing Sein to look astonished to be addressed.
"I have secured two boats to take us to the capital," he said. "However we will not be able to leave until mid-morning as it is currently low tide. We cannot depart until the water has risen sufficiently. Will that suit you?"
"Absolutely, much appreciated," Zeya replied.
Turning to Sein he said, "Might I suggest you have something to eat and talk to your sworn brothers? I have a few matters to discuss with Cetan before we make our way to the capital."
He leaned in to kiss her tenderly before leaving.
Sein found Kyaw and Soe already awake and sitting by the river bank with a bowl of congee. Kyaw looked to be groggy but Soe was bright and cheerful.
"There ya are, Bayin," Soe chirped to the annoyance of Kyaw.
"Keep it down will you, not so loud, dummy."
"I'm not loud I swear. I'm speaking in my normal voice. I can't help it if ya can't take alcohol like I can, old man."
Sein smiled and knelt down beside Kyaw.
"Let me see what I can do," she said.
She pulled out a thin piece of fabric from her pocket and wrapped it around Kyaw's forehead. He immediately understood her intention and complied.
In an instant, the healing cloth relieved his sore head and he was his usual self again.
"Much appreciated, Bayin," Kyaw said, a grin emerging.
"Hey, we were kinda worried when ya disappeared last night but the General went after ya so Kyaw was like, telling me not to follow. I can't really remember anything after that," Soe said, his hand combing through his hair. "Anyhow have ya eaten something yet?"
"No but I'm not hungry," Sein replied, wedging herself between the two boys. "I have something to tell you both."
Before she could continue, Kyaw and Soe leaned forward and gave each other a raised eyebrow.
Then Kyaw chortled suddenly.
"We already know your secret, Bayin," he said.
Sein was taken aback. She suspected Kyaw knew she wasn't a boy. But had they figured out she was Spirit of Cloth?
"When did you find out?" she asked, feeling anxious.
"I've known for some time," Kyaw admitted. "Your feminine hands were the first clue."
"Obsession with hands again," Soe muttered.
"Yep, hands are a dead giveaway," Kyaw continued. "You could pass for a pretty boy but not the way you behaved with us. You're too graceful and elegant to be a man. And besides, you never acted like the rest of us, you know… answering the call of nature and stuff."
Sein nodded, relieved that she didn't have to confess it herself. But as to being a spirit, that truth, she decided, was best kept hidden for now.
"I only found out yer a girl last night when I saw…" Soe started but stopped.
Sein caught a warning stare from Kyaw and she wondered what was going on between them.
"That's right, Soe was clueless and I had to tell him," Kyaw said. "You and the General are a thing, right?"
"Kyaw reckoned ya two mustta known each other already," Soe added.
"Yes, I've known Zey…the general for a while."
Sein thought better of revealing the real identity of General Min.
"I didn't expect to meet him again. I certainly didn't realise he was the legendary General you spoke of."
"I could see there was something between the two of you," Kyaw said, scraping his bowl clean. "I knew you two were meant for each other, 'cause you couldn't keep your eyes off him. And he was completely soft on you."
"Wait! I've missed the whole thing," Soe said exasperated. "Who's looking at who? Who started what? And what do ya mean the general's a softie?"
"You dummy, I'm saying they were already in love. That's obvious," Kyaw reached behind Bayin, and ruffled Soe's hair, teasing him. "As for you, a girl's gonna have to literally jump on you for you to pick up any clues."
Soe retaliated by prodding Kyaw with a stick.
Sein shook her head and said, "What are you boys like?"
"He started it," Soe said in a sing song voice.
"I'm not even gonna react to that," Kyaw countered, folding his arms and pushing his chin in the air. "I'll be an adult."
Soe burst into a fit of giggles. Sein chuckled, drawing in a slow breath as she realised she would miss their silly banter.
"What will you two do now that there's no threat from the north?" she asked. "The General said it's up to you whether you return home or join the military."
Kyaw's face lit up at once.
"I'm heading home. I can't wait to see my wife."
They both turned to Soe.
"Me too," he said quickly. "I mean… y'know, I'm happy to go home."
"This means we'll have to part our ways," Kyaw said. "But I hope we'll always remain sworn brothers. Or more like, sworn brother-sister."
To Kyaw's surprise, Sein embraced him.
"I'm glad to have a sworn sister too," Soe piped up in a small voice.
Sein let go of Kyaw, and turned to hug Soe.
"You and Kyaw will always be my sworn brothers. I'll treasure the time we've spent together."
"Yeah, don't go there," Kyaw said with a shake of his head. "You'll make Soe cry like a baby. Just come and visit us."
"Come visit me first, right," Soe said with a cheeky grin. "Remember my village is Yu Gin. It's way more interesting than Uren. Come hang out with my family then we'll go see Kyaw together. Ask directions to the house with the best looking guy in town and you'll find me."
"You'll always be welcome at my place. I'm pretty sure my wife will wanna meet you. You're the reason why I'm still alive and can return home," Kyaw added. "Just remember Uren pottery. You'll have to pass through it before Yu Gin."
"I will certainly remember. Uren and Yu Gin are forever etched in my mind," Sein said, smiling brightly at them.
"How 'bout you, Bayin?" Kyaw asked.
"My name is actually Sein. And I'm going to return to the capital with the General," Sein replied. "If you're ever in the city, come find me."
She spent the remainder of the morning with her sworn brothers. To her relief, they carried on exactly as before, as though the revelation that she was a girl hadn't changed their behaviour in the slightest.
Though Kyaw and Soe were very different from her own brothers and cousins, they reminded her of a time when she'd listen to her family's playful jabs and carefree laughter.
That sense of familiarity had endeared them to her, and she felt a heaviness in her chest when it was time to part ways. She kept her farewell brief, determined to hold back her tears.
Two wiry boatmen, in weathered hats and casual clothes, sat waiting on the pier. They puffed on fat cigars, the curling smoke lazily drifting upward, while their bare feet dangled in the cool water below.
Beside them, their narrow wooden boats, painted in bright shades of red, yellow, and green, gently swayed with the flow of the current. They jumped to attention when Zeya and Sein approached.
Zeya climbed onto the vessel first and extended one hand for Sein, who took it and lightly stepped aboard with ease. She sat down behind Zeya, as the boat's width only accommodated one person across.
One of the boatmen nodded to them and climbed on board. He pushed off, his muscular arms propelling the craft forward with each powerful stroke.
A nervous looking Khin Yu and Saw Win followed in the other boat.
Sein glanced back towards the riverbank and gave Kyaw and Soe a bright smile. The boys stood by the water's edge, waving enthusiastically in return.
They could hear Soe calling after them.
"Remember Yu Gin! Forget Uren. Uren is boring!"
Sein chuckled and gave them one last wave, watching as their figures grew smaller as the current carried the boat farther away.
"They make quite the pair, wouldn't you say?" Zeya said, glancing back at her.
"Yes, they're totally silly but in a good way," Sein replied. "I'd like to see them again. Perhaps we could visit Yu Gin and Uren one day."
"Absolutely, we shall," Zeya promised. "I must admit I've grown rather fond of them myself. After all… they led you back to me."
Sein rested a hand on his back, between his shoulder blades, a spot where she wished she could rest her face.
She leaned forward, about to wind her arms around him, but showing affection in front of the boatman would be inappropriate, so she let her hand linger on his back instead.
For a while they simply observed their surroundings, taking in the serenity of the countryside. With the vast sweep of the Ayegyi stretching before them, Sein felt a sense of freedom she'd never known as the boat cut swiftly through the current.
The water shimmered beneath the sun like a sheet of silver. Birdsong echoed from the forests along the banks, mingling with the soft rustle of leaves in the breeze.
Sitting quietly behind Zeya, a hand resting against his back, Sein felt the steady rhythm of his breath and sank into the simple sense of being.
When they finally began to speak, Zeya shared fragments of his travels through the villages in the northern hills while searching for her.
Sein realised he'd indeed passed through Sagyo; even Chit had mentioned it. He was the handsome lord everyone had been swooning over.
At the time she was still a wandering spirit, unseen by mortals. Their paths may well have crossed then, but she had no memories of her first year of spirit-hood.
In turn, she told Zeya about her life with Maiah and her family. As she spoke, it reminded her of what she'd learned from Ungyi about King Han Min. She'd once longed to share that knowledge with him.
After all, the mystery of the murdered prince had brought them together.
Zeya manoeuvred himself on the bench until he was straddling the seat, turning to face her so he could meet her eyes as she repeated Ungyi's words.
But revealing who had been responsible for Prince Amptu's death felt strangely anticlimactic. She knew that telling him how Han Min had united the three realms would bring him little satisfaction.
"Manipulation… and the deliberate creation of scarcity and unworthiness," Zeya repeated, brows furrowed. "How abhorrent. And it seems the missing scroll you were searching for when we first met was hidden deliberately to conceal the truth."
"But why?" Sein asked. "And who?"
"Shall we examine the facts," Zeya said, pausing for a moment. "When King Han Min became Spirit of Prosperity, who at that time stood to benefit if that truth remained concealed?"
Sein marvelled at the way he could remain so rational in moments like this, asking calm and considered questions. It reminded her of their days in the Archives, when they would sit side by side examining scrolls and debating possibilities.
Now, as then, their thoughts moved easily together, trying to connect the past with the present and uncover who might be behind the disruption to trade.
But as was their habit, the conversation drifted and meandered into other territories.
"I can completely understand why someone might follow Spirit of Prosperity," Sein said, bringing the focus back to the topic at hand. "Who doesn't desire fortune, abundance and success in their lives. I imagine the hunger for wealth and power is what drives people to go to such lengths."
"Absolutely," Zeya sighed.
Sein watched the thoughtful crease form between his brows, the breeze stirring the loose strands of his hair. Even with that slight furrow of concern, he was utterly captivating and she could admire him without restraint.
"Whoever we're seeking must have the means to influence the supreme spirit," he said. "And yet I cannot fathom—"
"Hold on a moment, Zeya," Sein jumped in. "I can't help but see things from the opposite direction. Do you suppose the fear of losing such wealth and status is far more compelling than the desire to gain it?"
"A good question, Sein," Zeya said, casting a glance at the horizon. "Now that you mention it, if I examine my own conduct, it was the fear of losing you that moved me to act. So yes, fear can be an immense driving force."
His words lingered in her mind as she studied him, the sunlight dancing across his profile. It was almost unimaginable that the man before her could return her feelings only a day ago. The realisation was still slowly sinking in.
"In that case, who in the capital stands to lose the most if trade were to resume?" Sein asked.
Zeya's eyebrow lifted and a smile curved his lips. She recognised the expression immediately. It was the same look he wore whenever she surprised him with a new way of thinking.
Relishing his reaction, she leaned closer and spoke in a voice only meant for him.
"One thing you can be sure of, you have my promise that I will always stay by your side. You'll never have to fear losing me."
The words had barely left her lips when Zeya's arms slipped around her waist, pulling her closer as his lips found hers.
The sudden movement nearly tipped her forward from the narrow seat, but he managed to hold her securely from doing so.
A sharp click of the boatman's tongue broke the moment. Heat rushed to Sein's cheeks as she remembered they were being observed.
She quickly pulled back, meeting Zeya's eyes.
They both struggled to keep straight faces, their laughter threatening to escape. Sein raised an eyebrow and fixed him with one of her stern looks, and Zeya immediately turned around in his seat to face forward again.
In the distance, the water broke as a prominent fin emerged, only to vanish moments later. Sein spotted it immediately. Then another one crested nearer to their boat.
"What on earth is that?" she exclaimed, gesturing in the direction.
"Ah… river dolphins. They're common in these waters," the boatman called out. "They've come to see who we are."
Moments later, Sein saw a dark shape, almost the same length as their boat loom beside them, swimming at equal speed.
Zeya and Sein both watched the dolphin tilt to one side, revealing a high and rounded forehead, its eye peering up at them.
"Oh hello," Sein said, eyes wide. "You're beautiful."
She dipped her fingers into the water and sensed a caress, ever so gentle, like the water itself stroking her hand. Delight fluttered in her chest, filling her with warmth.
Was it a spirit animal? she wondered.
"What extraordinary creatures," Zeya commented. "Look, it seems they're following us."
There were at least six or seven dolphins accompanying them. One or two raced just ahead, occasionally breaking the surface with playful leaps, as if competing with the boat's speed.
Their sleek bodies dancing gracefully in and out of the water until they reached some unseen boundary. The dolphins slowed as the boats passed them before swimming back up the river.
Sein was disappointed by their departure and said, "Farewell dolphins."
She felt the lightness within her fade, as though it had vanished along with the dolphins. She continued to search the water, but nothing broke the surface. Perhaps they had entered another spirit's domain.
She took a breath to quiet her thoughts and opened her senses to the world around her. Small bursts of energy flickered in and out like miniature fireworks. Some radiated a pleasant warmth that stirred optimism within her, while others carried an unpleasant note that left her faintly nauseous.
Within this awareness came the prayer of someone wishing for dry clothes, and she answered it swiftly. Other requests for healing followed, and her thoughts turned to those in Sagyo.
Each act of granting a wish reminded her sharply that she was a spirit.
How she was meant to live a mortal life, she didn't know. Could she ever return to court society? And how could she face her mother and brothers again?
Then the realisation that Thura was gone forever pulled her down into the depths of grief.
It broke her heart that the person she most longed to see would never be there again. The one she wished to share her joy with. To tell him that she'd finally found someone he would have been proud of.
While her thoughts churned on what had been, Zeya was looking ahead, the vision of their future together propelling him to plan what came next.
"Now Sein, how would you feel about a celebration at the palace?" he asked. "I'd like everyone to know that you're the one I've chosen to spend my life with. But I'm acutely aware you're not keen on parties."
"Did I not promise I'll always be by your side? Even at parties. Who will you invite?"
"Well, the usual family and members of the court, unless there's someone you'd rather avoid. I believe you've already met the people who matter most to me, especially my sister, Nu Nu. I'm not terribly close with my other sisters, though they're easy enough to get along with. You've also met my uncle and a couple of my cousins, and of course my parents."
The mention of Lord Ray and his daughters brought back the sting of their assumption that Zeya was in love with Princess Nanda. How wrong they had been.
A small smile touched Sein's lips as she considered it. The mango that had once seemed so far out of reach was now firmly in her grasp. It felt somewhat like winning a battle.
"As long as I don't have to dance with Lord Myat, I'll be fine," she said lightly.
Zeya snorted.
"That man's behaviour towards you was utterly abominable. I understand he's now married and settled, but should he even think of coming near you again, I'll personally see to it that he's dealt with."
Sein grinned. There was something undeniably appealing about this protective side of Zeya.
"Oh," she said. "What would you do with him if he ever tried to kiss my hand again?"
Zeya caught her mischievous look when he glanced back.
"Well, obviously I'll have him thrown into a dungeon, never to witness the beauty of Spirit of Cloth again," he said with a serious tone. "Or… I suppose you could administer some suitable punishment with your power. I have every confidence you're more than capable of that."
"Of course," Sein said with a laugh. "I shall inflict pain where it stings the most, a place where it lingers and gnaws until his last breath."
"Very good," Zeya said with a quick glance back. "I confess that remark is rather intimidating. Clearly, I must take care never to make you cross. I shall do all I can to please you."
"Really?" Sein asked, leaning forward to place a hand on his back.
"I'll do anything you ask of me." Zeya gave a slight head bow. "Truly anything you may wish."
"I suspect your thoughts are not entirely honourable, Zeya Arkar," Sein said, narrowing her eyes at him. "But, I do have a request. I'd like to keep training in swordsmanship. Will you teach me?"
"Absolutely, it'd be my pleasure. However, don't expect me to be easy on you."
"Oh, not even a teeny-tiny-bit?" Sein said, tilting her head slightly, a coy smile playing on her lips as she met his questioning gaze.
"Definitely not. I'll push you to your limits because you have the potential to be an excellent swordsman. Well, swordswoman," Zeya replied, keeping his tone firm. "Your only weakness is that your mind tends to wonder easily. My uncle has a technique to calm and focus the mind. I'm certain he'd gladly guide you in that."
"I was only distracted because I was fencing with you and you were…" Sein protested, a cheeky grin spreading as she thought back to how she relished watching Zeya fighting.
"I found you totally alluring when you command a fight. Fierce, unyielding, utterly in control. It's the most thrilling thing I've ever seen."
"So that's how I can catch your attention," Zeya returned with a smug smile.
"I'll admit, you're too much of a distraction," Sein said. "You're right, I need to work on my mind control first."
As the river made its final meander towards the capital, the shoreline transformed from untamed nature into a bustling settlement of houses. Wooden piers jutted out intermittently, some hosting small boats that gently rocked with the current.
The sounds of distant city life grew louder, blending with the serene sounds of the waterway as they approached the main pier.
Sein was suddenly bombarded with a mixture of intense sensations that suggested the presence of numerous spirits within the capital. From what she could gather, some felt benevolent, while others carried a darker, more malevolent presence.
She couldn't help but wonder who they were. Had she already crossed paths with one without knowing it? Were there others like her and Kumbi, living quietly among mortals?
A longing to meet others like herself tugged at her, if only to know that living in the mortal realm was perfectly natural.
Once they alighted from the boats, Khin Yu secured horses for their ride to the palace, while Saw Win was sent ahead to prepare for their arrival.
It was late afternoon when they ambled through the arch of the west gate. The sun had begun to sink behind the horizon, casting a warm glow over the pair of elephant statues that flanked the entrance.
The sight of the statues stirred a memory in Sein of the time she sneaked out with Zeya during the Water Festival. It was strange to think how much had past since then.
She took a deep breath, savouring the warmth and security of the man seated behind her. Her attention shifted to the palace guards, whose expressions revealed their astonishment at the sight of the Crown Prince riding in with his arm wrapped around the waist of an unfamiliar figure before him.
Then noticing Khin Yu casting them a scathing look, the guards quickly bowed their heads, though a few couldn't resist stealing cautious glances at Sein.
"We are home," Zeya said softly in her ear.