CHAPTER 50: 50. A BIRTHDAY AND AN IMPORTANT MEETING

IN A BIT

MEI SHEN’S POV:

The soft morning light slipped through the curtains, dust motes dancing lazily in the quiet room. Bella lay peacefully in her crib, her tiny chest rising and falling with each gentle breath. I felt the weight of the past months settle inside me, the pain, the fear, the hope and now, this fragile new beginning.

Huan’s sixth birthday was approaching, and for the first time in years, we were planning to celebrate it properly. The apocalypse, the wars, the endless flight had shadowed the last few years. We never had the chance to mark his birthdays like this, no parties, no laughter filling the halls. Just survival.

I found Lianwei downstairs already organizing the decorations, a rare, bright smile on his face as he fussed over colorful banners and candles. Henry was helping too, grumbling about the noise but secretly pleased. Even the gods seemed to have eased their watchfulness, if only slightly. Huan was running around with a newfound energy, his laughter ringing through the palace halls. I watched him carefully, heart full but cautious. The weight of the future still hung over us, but today wasn’t about that. Today was about joy. I sat by Bella’s crib, brushing her soft hair with trembling fingers.

"Today, we celebrate you, Huan. The boy who fought through the darkness and found the light."I said.

Because finally, after everything, we were home. And for once, that felt enough. The palace courtyard was alive with a buzz of activity as morning stretched into afternoon. The sun hung warm and golden, casting soft shadows across the colorful banners fluttering from the ancient stone walls. I moved carefully, balancing Bella in the sling wrapped snugly around me, while setting out cushions and blankets for the guests. The air smelled sweet with blooming jasmine and the faint hint of honeyed tea. Lianwei was deep in his own kind of busy, arranging a low wooden table with an almost ritualistic precision, golden trays of fresh fruit, honey-drenched rolls, and a cake decorated with hand-painted dragons coiling through tiny stars. It was simple, but the care in every detail was clear. I caught him stealing a glance toward Huan, who was already darting around with a wooden sword clutched tight in his small hands.

Henry, the gruff general turned doting grandfather, stood by with arms crossed but eyes soft. I caught his subtle nods every time Huan flashed a grin or made a sudden battle cry. There was something so quiet and grounding about his presence, like a steady anchor in the day’s excitement.

"Are you ready, Bella?" I whispered softly into the bundle against my chest.

The baby stirred, blinking wide eyes at the flurry around her. Her tiny fingers curled, and she let out a small coo. From across the yard, I saw Huan stop in his tracks and glance toward me, as if sensing the importance of the moment. Then he smiled that bright, boyish grin, filled with everything fierce and hopeful.

"Mom." He said softly. "I’m okay about my fifth birthday, really."

I smiled, a little surprised.

"You are?"I asked.

He nodded, holding up a small carved wooden dragon.

"Dad gave me this when I was sad about it. It’s the best present. And I got lots of hugs and kisses from you and dad too."Huan said.

My heart squeezed.

"You’re such a brave big brother."I said.

He shrugged, cheeks pink with a shy pride.

"Now it’s time for the party! You promised!"Huan said.

The crowd began to gather, friends from the palace, a few trusted advisors, and some children from the nearby villages. Lianwei’s family members arrived too, their faces a mixture of surprise and delight at the celebration. The gods stayed at the edges, watching quietly, their ethereal presence both comforting and tense.

I settled down on a soft cushion with Bella, watching as Huan led a parade of children in a game of tag. His laughter rang out clear and bright, chasing away the shadows that had clung to us for so long. Lianwei joined in, his deep chuckle blending with Huan’s pure joy. Henry stood near the food table, handing out treats with a rare smile that crinkled the corners of his stern eyes. A troupe of musicians began to play a lively tune, flutes, drums, and a stringed instrument that made the air shimmer with magic. Huan danced with abandon, his wooden sword forgotten for a moment as he twirled and jumped, calling for everyone to join him.

"Come on, Bella!" I whispered, bouncing the baby gently. "Your big brother’s having the best day."

Bella blinked up at me, as if understanding every word, and then let out a soft giggle that made everyone around grin. Even Lianwei, who had been watching quietly, couldn’t hide the way his eyes softened. As the sun began to dip, casting long amber rays, we gathered around the table for cake. Huan’s eyes sparkled as he blew out the six candles in one breath, cheeks puffed out like a little dragon about to breathe fire. Cheers erupted, and I found myself swept up in the happiness.

Henry clapped Huan on the back with a proud grin.

"Next year will be even better, kid."Henry said.

Huan threw his arms around his grandfather, kissing his cheek with all the fierce love of a protective older brother.

"I’m ready for it!"Huan shouted.

And as I watched my family, Lianwei, Henry, Huan, and sweet little Bella, wrapped in laughter and light, I felt something I hadn’t dared in a long time: hope. Real, unbreakable hope. The apocalypse had tried to steal our moments, but here, in this garden filled with joy and warmth, we were reclaiming them all. Party on. Always.

AT THE SAME TIME

EMPEROR LIANWEI POINT OF VIEW:

The music hummed through the courtyard like a warm breeze, and just as the laughter reached its peak, a new presence slipped through the gates. I spotted her before anyone else did, Suen, standing there with a shy smile, eyes wide as she took in the celebration. Huan’s head snapped up immediately, his wooden sword forgotten.

"Suen!" His voice was a mix of surprise and pure joy.

He dashed toward her, arms open wide, and she giggled as he pulled her into a quick, playful hug. I watched him the way his face lit up, all worries melting away in an instant. It was a moment of pure, childhood happiness I hadn’t seen in months. Something about their reunion brought a lightness to the entire scene.

But then my gaze shifted to Suen’s mother, standing a little behind her daughter, her posture proud and regal. A chill ran down my spine as recognition clicked in my mind.

"That’s Lei Shin Empire’s daughter." I whispered to Henry, who was still beside me, eyes narrowed slightly but curious.

Henry nodded slowly, his warrior instincts kicking in.

"A political move." He muttered. "They’re sending their blood here."

I swallowed, watching Suen and Huan interact with the innocent ease of old friends, but underneath, a new layer of tension settled over the courtyard. This wasn’t just a simple visit it was a reminder that the future we were trying to build had its shadows lurking close. For now, though, the children played on, blissfully unaware of the game unfolding around them. And I promised myself I’d protect this moment this fragile peace, with everything I had.

The celebration buzzed around us, laughter and music swirling in the warm afternoon air, when Suen’s parents approached her mother gracefully and composed, her father a sharp eyed man who carried the weight of their empire in his posture. They stopped just a few steps away from Mei Shen and me, their faces polite but firm. Her mother spoke first, voice smooth like silk but edged with steel.

"Emperor Lianwei, Lady Mei Shen, we are honored to join your celebration. Our daughter Suen has spoken often of your son. It is our hope no, our intent that Huan and Suen grow close, as friends first, until the time is right."Her Mother said.

I blinked, caught off guard by the boldness of their words. Mei Shen stiffened beside me, eyes flicking between the strangers and our son, who was still happily playing with Bella.

"They’re... very young." I said cautiously. "Huan is only six. Too young for anything serious."

The father nodded, his gaze steady and unyielding.

"We understand, Your Majesty. But friendship planted early roots grows into a bond no force can break. When the time comes, they will stand side by side, as allies, as family, as more."He said.

I glanced down at Huan, who was chasing Bella around the garden, laughter spilling from his lips. The innocence of the moment felt like a fragile bubble waiting to burst. Mei Shen’s hand found mine, a silent anchor.

"We will watch over them." She said quietly.

The woman smiled, a mixture of hope and calculation.

"Good. Because our futures may depend on this."She said.

And in that moment, beneath the brightness of the celebration, a new game had quietly begun, one that would stretch far beyond children’s laughter and birthday candles.