CHAPTER 1

*GRIN!*

        *GRIN!*

               *GRIN!*

The third buzz of the alarm shattered the morning silence, jolting the figure from sleep. Slowly, she sat up on the creaky wooden bed, the faint scent of lavender rising from the pillows like a calming whisper against the harsh ring of reality. Blinking away the remnants of a fading dream, she reached out to silence the alarm, its relentless beeping still echoing in her ears.

The figure stared blankly at the ceiling, eyes tracing invisible patterns in the faint morning light leaking through the curtains. A low grumble escaped their lips — half annoyance, half exhaustion. For a moment, she considered the weight of the day ahead… then, with a sigh of surrender, she let gravity pull them back down onto the lavender-scented pillows. The alarm clock blinked silently now, its job done — though the world outside kept ticking forward.

“Urgh, I’m so tired,” she whispered in her usual sweet tone, the sound barely louder than the rustling sheets. Her voice, though laced with fatigue, still carried a softness that made even complaints sound gentle. She rolled onto her side, pulling the blanket up to her chin, eyes fluttering shut for just a moment more of peace. Outside, birds chirped cheerfully — a cruel contrast to her desire for five more minutes.

She sat up again, this time slower, more thoughtful. Her fingers toyed with the edge of the blanket as she exhaled deeply.

“I’m Princess Sisou of Fangyi,” she muttered to herself, “a Shaolin warrior… and a huntress.”

The titles sounded heavy on her tongue — proud, yes, but burdensome.

“But I’m still not a perfect lady,” she added with a frustrated frown. “Good thing I’m not getting married, but still… I need to be perfect, like the other princesses.”

Her gaze drifted toward the window, where sunlight spilled lazily into the room.

“Other princesses always rise early, even before the alarm,” she sighed. “But I’m different.”

She hugged her knees to her chest, the silence in the room pressing in around her — not unkind, but expectant. Then....

“Totally different!” Sisou clenched her fists tightly, knuckles whitening. “I don’t know what’s wrong with me…” Her voice cracked just a little, revealing the frustration buried beneath her usual calm. She looked away, biting her lip as if searching for an answer hidden deep inside.

She pulled the two lavender-scented pillows close, hugging them like old friends. Pointing at them with a mock-serious expression, she whispered, “Hey, sleep buddies... tell me — don’t I need a change? Am I even worthy of being a princess?”

Her voice trembled slightly as she added, “Is this how I’ll rule Fangyi in the near future? Tsk!”

She sighed, a mix of frustration and longing swirling in her eyes. The soft pillows offered silent comfort, but they couldn’t answer the questions that weighed heavy on her heart.

The pillows stared back, motionless and unresponsive. Growing impatient, she pounced on them, squeezing them tight until they shrank beneath her grasp.

“Answer me!” she demanded, her voice shaking with a mix of frustration and desperation. But of course, the only reply was the soft rustle of fabric and the faint scent of lavender.

*PHEW!* The pillows mumbled softly beneath her grip, as if whispering secrets she could only hear.

Suddenly, the sun rose, golden rays streaming through the louvered window and spilling warmth across Sisou’s room.

“What a sunny morning! Perfect for hunting!” she grinned, a spark of excitement lighting up her tired eyes. “Heh!”

With renewed energy, she swung her legs over the side of the bed, ready to face the day — no longer just the weary princess, but a warrior ready to prove herself.

She was halfway to the louvered window when sudden knocks echoed at the door.

“Come in,” she said softly, her usual sweet tone steady and calm.

The door creaked open, and two ladies dressed in plain pink lace stepped inside. They bowed politely, heads low.

“Good morning, Your Royal Majesty,” they greeted in unison, their voices respectful yet warm.

“Morning, cuties!” Sisou grinned, casting a quick glance at the sunlit window before turning back to them. “The morning seems bright, doesn’t it?” she whispered playfully.

They both nodded in agreement.

“It is, Princess Sisou!”

“A perfect day for hunting!” Nimaj said with a cheerful smile.

“Absolutely,” Sisou returned the smile warmly.

“My princess,” Duri added softly, “hunting on a sunny morning like this is always more exciting… you know!”

Sisou nodded, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

“Very much correcto, cuties!”

“Yes, my princess!” They bowed gracefully before her.

“What other fun is there if not hunting?” she asked, pointing at them with a dramatic flair.

“None, my Princess!” They shook their heads politely in agreement.

“Good… well, I think you two will accompany me to the forest again. I’ll really need your assistance, cuties,” Sisou whispered .

“Anything for you, Princess Sisou,” Duri replied softly, “but I suggest you have breakfast first, so the hunt can be more fun.”

“Yeah, Princess Sisou,” Nimaj agreed, smiling warmly.

“Okay, cuties!” Sisou nodded, beaming with a bright smile.

****************

Dressed in her favorite sari, Sisou walked gracefully toward the throne where her parents, King Chen and Queen Momo, sat side by side.

She bowed elegantly before them, the quiver of arrows slung over her back resting lightly against her sari.

“Good morning, Father. Good morning, Mother,” she greeted softly.

King Chen smiled warmly. “Morning, peanut. How was your night?”

“Fine, Father. And yours?”

“Cool as ever,” he chuckled quietly.

Queen Momo’s eyes twinkled as she regarded Sisou. “My princess, you look so picky this morning… where are you headed?”

“To hunt!” Sisou snapped, her eyes flickering toward the rising sun as a grin spread across her face. “It’s a sunny morning—perfect for hunting. The forest wildlife will be less active, making the hunt more thrilling and less tiring.”

Queen Momo and King Chen exchanged uneasy glances.

“I’m the greatest hunter in Fangyi State!” Sisou’s voice rang out boldly, causing flabbergasting echoes to bounce through the palace halls.

Queen Momo leaned toward King Chen and whispered, “I think we have a crazy daughter. She never talks about men or marriage.”

King Chen looked at his beautiful daughter, a mix of concern in his eyes. “Come on, Sisou. You’re old enough for all this hunting and Shaolin life you lead… can’t you try changing?”

“Changing?” Sisou raised an eyebrow, a playful grin tugging at her lips. “Well, I know you know the alarm wakes before me every day, and I *do* need a change about that, right?”

“No, not that,” Queen Momo said, her voice softer now. “Your father thought you were going to meet a prince because you dressed up so charmingly… I was thinking the same.”

“Meeting a prince?” Sisou suddenly frowned, her tone sharp. “Who does that? *Tsk!*”

“Sisou, you’re eighteen,” King Chen said, his voice calm but firm. “You’re old enough for marriage according to our customs. What are you waiting for? Does someone need to remind you that you're the most beautiful of all princesses? Men wouldn’t fail to fall in love with you.”

Queen Momo added gently, “Your perfect type—princesses like you—travel past kingdoms, find their soulmates, fall in love, and marry. But you… you keep hunting through the forest, giving your last breath to Shaolin training and wild games.

“Enough, Father! Enough, Mother!” Sisou snapped, her eyes blazing as she glared at them. In that moment, they no longer looked like rulers — just puppets perched on ornate stone chairs.

She turned her back on them, fuming. “I never wanted to be part of some marriage life…”

Then she glanced over her shoulder, voice low but firm, “Because it’s a futile idea — one we can’t even *see*.”

Again, she turned away, this time with a sharper tone. “And I *dare* to crush any masculine figure who comes my way!”

With that, Sisou stormed off, her footsteps echoing through the marble halls. Her parents exchanged stunned glances that silently said, *Damn, our baby’s hot.*

As she crossed the royal pavement, she bumped into Duri and Nimaj.

They quickly bowed. “My princess…”

“You look worried. Any problem?” Nimaj asked, concern in her gentle voice.

Sisou flashed a fake smile. “I’m okay, cuties! C’mon, let’s fly to the forest!”

She swung onto her silver-balded horse, Gemi, the creature whinnying as if it had been waiting all morning. Duri and Nimaj mounted their own horses right after her.

“Hyah!” Sisou called, whipping the reins. Gemi trotted powerfully across the royal gate, galloping down the forest path with elegance and speed.

“Gemi seems to be active today…” Duri said, holding on tightly.

“Guess he had enough straws for breakfast,” Sisou smirked.

They all giggled light-heartedly as the wind swept through their hair, the forest drawing closer with each stride.

****************

Sisou and her maids had dismounted and stood silently on the clear coast of *Mo Zhu Forest*, one of Fangyi’s lush rainforests.

Their eyes wandered over the shrubby surroundings—tall, towering trees reaching into the sky, birds singing in layered melodies, and insects chirping in the undergrowth.

“What a cool aura,” Duri whispered with delight, her eyes wide with wonder.

“But the air feels… moist, even with all this sun,” Nimaj added, rubbing her arms lightly.

Duri nodded slowly.

“There’s a little humidity here,” Sisou explained. “Mo Zhu is a rainforest. Thick canopy, trapped moisture.”

“No wonder!” both maids drawled in unison.

“Let’s walk deeper into the forest… be cautious,” Sisou whispered.

They nodded, and the group moved forward, their footsteps crunching lightly on dried leaves.

Suddenly—*thud... rustle... thud!*

Sisou’s ears twitched. Her hand shot up, stopping the group.

“I think there’s a game on the way,” she whispered, glancing back at them. “Shhh.”

Her maids froze, nodding.

With swift precision, Sisou nocked an arrow onto her bowstring, every muscle in her body sharp and alert. Her eyes scanned the trees, her ears tuned to every shift in the breeze.

Duri and Nimaj stepped lightly behind her, following her lead—silent, steady, and ready for whatever was rustling through the wild.

The footsteps were getting closer.

And closer.

And closer.

Then—silence.

They had stopped. Just behind a thick grassy cache, a few steps ahead.

Sisou’s eyes narrowed. She turned to Duri and Nimaj. “You both have to stay here. I think... something dangerous is out there.”

Duri reached for her arm, concern etching her voice. “My princess, stay back. You want to risk your life for this?”

Sisou grinned, fearless. “I know, cuties. But I’ve *been* risking my life. Don’t try to stop an expert huntress like me... it’s only a game.”

Reluctantly, Duri nodded and stepped back, letting go.

Sisou crept forward, each step light and calculated. She approached the cache, bow still armed... but there was nothing. No figure. No creature. Just whispering leaves and swaying grass.

Then—*whoosh!*

A chill grazed her cheek as something sped past her like wind with weight.

She froze. Eyes wide. Heart pounding.

“It can’t be an animal,” she whispered, her voice laced with doubt. “Or... can it?”

Her grip tightened on her bow as she took a deep breath.

“*Show yourself before me!*” she shouted, gathering every ounce of her courage. Her voice was bold—but a glint of moisture shimmered in her eyes.

…But there was only silence.

Still. Watching. Waiting.

“I said, *show yourself!*” Sisou shouted louder, her voice echoing through the trees. “You dare not hide before the greatest huntress of Fangyi... *Show yourself!*”

But again… silence.

Only the rustling leaves answered her.

Sisou exhaled sharply, lowering her bow slightly. “Maybe it was just my imagination.”

She turned toward Duri and Nimaj, waving a hand. “Hey, there’s nothing here.”

The maids nodded, still tense, eyes scanning the forest edge.

Sisou huffed, breaking the silence. “Tsk, I think it was just my—”

*“Behind you!”*

The scream tore from Duri and Nimaj in unison.

Sisou spun, muscles coiling, ready to strike with a swift Shaolin crane punch—

But she was a second too late.

A masked figure lunged from the shadows, grabbing her arm and yanking her with unnatural force.

She tumbled, rolling across the soft, damp humus floor, her quiver rattling behind her as she hit the ground.

Leaves scattered. Her bow slid from her hand.

The figure stood over her—tall, cloaked, and silent. The mask glinted with carved symbols. No face. No words. Just presence.

“A masked human?” Sisou muttered in shock.

She struggled against his grip, trying to wriggle free—but he was far stronger than she expected.

“Let go of me!” she yelled, thrashing. But the figure didn’t flinch. He was like stone—deaf to her cries.

Then, it hit her. She remembered Master Fun Ye’s last lesson—*the final technique* he taught before awarding her the red Shaolin sash.

"Only use this when you're truly trapped."

Sisou took a deep breath, calming her pulse. In a flash, she shifted her weight, summoned her strength, and launched upward with explosive force—breaking free.

Her hand sliced through the air and yanked off his mask.

And there he was.

Time slowed.

Topaz siren eyes.

A perfectly sculpted jawline.

Pinkish, soft lips.

Long, silky black hair—just like hers.

His expression: fierce, unreadable... and breathtaking.

Sisou froze, her Shaolin fist hovering mid-air. For a moment, she questioned if he was even real.

Then—snap!

He grabbed his mask, fixed it back on his face with swift precision… and without a word, struck her hard.

Sisou flew backward, crashing into the forest floor with a heavy thud.

Before the masked figure could seize her again, Duri and Nimaj came charging through the clearing.

He halted.

His head tilted slightly. Then—*whoosh!* He vanished into the trees like smoke.

The maids rushed to Sisou, who lay dazed and barely conscious.

“My princess!” they cried, kneeling beside her.

With dim eyes, Sisou murmured, “I’m okay...”

“What happened?” Nimaj asked, eyes wide.

“The freak… tried taking me. Good thing you two showed up on time.” She coughed, struggling to sit up. “He hit me hard. I just feel weak… We need to go back home, cuties.”

"Who the hell was that? "Nimaj whined, like she could go into the thin air and hunt the image, then bring him tied before Sisou.

" I have no idea Cuties, let's go home. I'm weak..."

“Okay, my princess,” Duri said gently.

With their arms around her, they helped her to her feet.

Sisou's gaze lingered on the direction he’d disappeared.

“I’ll deal with him…” she whispered, voice low and cold. “When next we meet… by coincidence.”

  CHAPTER 4 

*A week later…*

The palace was calm, with the distant hum of the courtyard fountains blending into the rustle of silk curtains. Sisou sat on her bed, half-dressed in her indoor robe, her hair loosely tied, fingers idly trailing across the embroidery of her pillow. Her mind had drifted yet again—to the forest, to the humiliation, to *him*.

She sighed.

That was when the door creaked open.

Duri and Nimaj stepped in carefully, their faces lit with giddy smiles. They bowed together, beaming.

“Greetings to Her Royal Majesty!” they chorused.

Sisou sat up, narrowing her eyes. “What brings such suspicious grins to your faces? Any good news?”

Duri practically bounced where she stood. “Yes, my princess! A *very* good one!”

Sisou’s ears twitched as she leaned forward. “Speak, before I lose my patience.”

Nimaj giggled, nudging Duri. “You tell her. You’re better at this kind of news.”

"I'm all ears!"She snapped at them, her ears agitated

"We've some royal visitors at the palace and..."Duri halted now, just to fathom Sisou's mood

Sisou was already frowning,"Royal visitors? What for?"

   "They're actually awaiting your arrival!"

"Is that the good news?"She snapped, fuming in anger already.

  The maids stood rather frenzied and sheepish. They knew her mood would end up like this- Too moody!

"Mtttcheww!"Sisou hissed, drifting her glance at the window, wondering why she had to be ruled at some points by her parents.

"My princess, you need to get dressed up!"

Sisou said nothing but slipped off the bed, lazily. She was really wondering why the royal visitors would need her at the palace hall,"I hope it's not what I'm thinking?"She thought aloud, scrambling the set of beautiful gowns in the wardrobe,while the maids was getting a bath water ready in the tub

As Sisou picked through her gowns—silks in emerald, sapphire, and royal crimson—her thoughts spiraled.

“Royal visitors… Awaiting *me*… Don’t tell me Father’s trying *that* trick again,” she muttered.

Duri, setting scented oils by the bath, tilted her head. “That *trick*, my princess?”

Sisou gave her a sharp look. “Marriage.”

Nimaj’s eyes widened. “Oh. Ohhh…”

“Exactly,” Sisou grumbled. “Just last week he was barking about how I should grow up and marry. And now—sudden visitors from royalty? Don’t insult my intelligence.”

Duri giggled under her breath. “But what if the prince is *handsome*?”

“I’ll still shoot him if he talks too much,” Sisou snapped, tossing a gown aside.

“Alright,” Nimaj said, biting her lip. “But… what if he’s *the* one?”

Sisou froze.

She turned slowly. “*What* one?”

“The forest trespasser,” Nimaj whispered dramatically.

Sisou narrowed her eyes. “If it *is* him, this palace won’t survive what I’ll do.”

She grabbed a deep violet gown, shimmering with golden threads. “Fine. Let’s play their royal game.”

She stepped toward the tub.

“But I swear,” she muttered, “if anyone so much as *mentions* marriage…”

The maids smiled nervously.

Sisou’s war wasn’t only with strangers now—it was with expectations.

****************

  Sisou descended down the stairs to the palace , her mind filled with evil intentions. She elegantly walked towards her parents who are both sitted on the throne, and some set of strange figures at the trestle table staring attentively at her.

Queen Momo smiled gently and gestured for Sisou to sit beside her. “Come, my daughter,” she said, her voice warm but laced with a knowing tone.

Sisou obeyed, her amber gown flowing like silk flames behind her. Her gaze flicked toward the guests—four in total. Two guards, a maid, and seated between them… a young man in a deep navy robe embroidered with golden dragons. His long hair was tied back with a jade clasp. He looked relaxed, but his eyes were sharp—watchful.

He met Sisou’s gaze.

She quickly looked away, jaw tightening."I don't think it's that trespasser. He looks naive... but still weird!"

King Chen continued, “Princess Sisou, this is Prince Xei of Duhei State. He’s come for diplomatic reasons—and for something more personal.”

Sisou’s nostrils flared.

Prince Xei stood, bowed with a graceful ease. “It’s a great honor, Princess Sisou. Your reputation as a Shaolin warrior is known across the regions.”

.Sisou stared at him speechless.

Only her silence could tell how unready she was, for the so-called diplomatic reasons and something personal.

Sisou accosted her mother,"Mother,why are they here?"

  "You'll soon know why, peanut. I'm so happy for you!"Her mother smiled.

"Happy for me?"Sisou wondered deeply.

    She glanced at the visitors and saw that they were really royal."Why are they really here?"she brooded.

     The king of Duhei cleared his throat, standing on his feet,"Today is another memorable day,as it happened to be that my family and I are gladly here.."

   King Chen and Queen Momo were both looking full of beans;so happy. Sisou had all her all her attention at King Teh of Duhei , her eyes suddenly sped past two images sitted beside King Teh; a female and and a male.

"That's the Queen... and the prince of Duhei?" She threw a sharp glance at the youthful figure again,"He just looks crazy in that pantaloons and white tux. He doesn't even have a sense of fashion, wonders!" Sisou whispered.

Queen Momo chuckled softly at Sisou’s muttered sarcasm and leaned in to whisper, “You might want to keep those thoughts to yourself, peanut. That ‘crazy’ boy is royalty.”

“Royal or not,” Sisou mumbled, “he looks like he just jumped out of a scroll painting halfway done.”

Just then, King Teh of Duhei continued, his voice loud and proud, “And the purpose of our visit today is one that ties both our great states together.”

Sisou felt her stomach turn. *Here it comes.*

King Teh gestured to his son. “This is my only son and heir, Prince Xei of Duhei.”

Prince Xei stood again and bowed politely. His eyes never left Sisou.

King Chen beamed. “And we are honored to announce that an agreement has been reached between Fangyi and Duhei.”

*No... don’t say it…*

“A royal union,” King Teh said.

Sisou’s jaw dropped slightly.

“A marriage,” Queen Momo added cheerfully, holding Sisou’s hand. “Between you, our beloved daughter… and Prince Xei of Duhei.”

There was a ringing silence in Sisou’s ears.

Prince Xei took one slow step forward and said with a smile, “It would be an honor, Princess… to be your husband.”

Sisou stared at him.

Her mind screamed: *The trespasser…? The forest freak?*

And now… her fiancé?

Her breath hitched.

*No!*

*Sisou do something! You can't let this happen!*

King Chen cleared his throat,"Well, there's no problem with that. We just have to get the marriage plans ready. Though, I've been waiting for this day to come."

Sisou widened her eyes in dismay, like" Father don't tell me you're selling me to this cargo!" Then a brainstorm suddenly came up in her." I got this!", She smiled and glanced at the visitors.

She walked and stood at the center of the palace," It's a good thing that prince Xei want to get married, but I don't think he's actually going to get married to me. I'm not ready for this! It's useless, afterwards. Yes!"

The visitors dropped their jaws before her, in dismay. Queen Momo tried pulling her away, but she was too obdurate.

"Sisou you want to bring shame to this royal hood."Sisou's mother whispered at her.

"Sisou glanced at her mother,"No mother. I'm old enough to decide what I want. I have rights to do so! Allow me, mother"Sisou snapped at her mother and glanced back at the visitors,"Well, anyone who wants to get married to a princess like me, he must defeat me with Martial arts such as Shaolin!"She said, really thinking that Jinhai was weak.Well, his looks showed how lazy he must be.

" What!" Sisou's father yelled,"What has gone over you, Sisou? Do you realize you are saying stupid things before the royal visitors? Have you suddenly lost home training you earned from your parents?"

Before Sisou could reply, Xei confidently stood"I'll do whatever you want, my princess! "

Sisou widened her eyes in surprise,"Hope he isn't a Martial arts guy? Does he thinks I'm weak, pfft."she whispered, then looked up at the visitors,"Okay, since he's agreed to my decision. If I defeat him, the marriage will be cancelled. But,if he defeats me... "

"We'll be husband and wife!"Xei snapped, in repartee, like a child who had been coaxing for sweets.

Sisou looked menacingly at him for few seconds and looked away. She nodded," Only sure that the wish of being husband and wife will end up in your nightmare!"

Both the parents of Sisou and Xei were in total confusion.

Sisou smiled in satisfaction,"Just prays he's a weakling. I can't wait for the day to pieces his skull in the battlefield!"

 "So my princess, did you find the trespasser?" King Chen asked, while the royal family of three dined,"And hope you tore him apart?

     Sisou really wanted to avoid the question, but she had to reply her father. She hesitated for a while before replying,"He ran away" she munched the mukbang cheese piled up in her mouth.

    "You see? Stubbornness! You couldn't even catch him, you saw him ran away and you freezed!"Her father snapped,"Tsk!'

     Queen Momo had been silently watching her husband and Sisou.Queen Momo gently set down her cup of tea, her voice calm but firm. “Chen, must you always scold her at every turn?”

King Chen huffed. “She went after a criminal and came back empty-handed.”

“She went alone,” the queen said. “And she came back alive. That should matter too.”

Sisou glanced at her mother with a faint smile—thankful, but still stung.

“I didn’t freeze,” she muttered. “He didn’t show up. I was ready. He just… disappeared.”

King Chen sighed and picked at his plate. “Then perhaps it’s time you let go of this chase.”

Sisou clenched her fork. “Or perhaps… it’s just beginning.”

The queen and king exchanged a glance.

Sisou whispered to herself,"I didn't even saw him...I think the rabbit was actually him! Haha!"

   "And you were lucky he didn't tried killing you!"King Chen pointed at Sisou,"You keep calling yourself a Shaolin warrior but I never saw that in you."

  Sisou glanced at her father in dismay. "What?" She looked at her chopsticks and squeezed them in her hands tightly, fuming in anger. Her stomach was already filled with anger, depression, anxiety and a crave to kill the forest trespasser.

Queen Momo noticed the tension crackling in Sisou’s fists. “My daughter,” she said softly, “don’t let your fury eat you more than his hit ever did.”

But Sisou didn’t speak. Her eyes burned at her father like twin torches. “He made me look weak,” she muttered through clenched teeth. “Me. The Shaolin expert. And you sit there mocking me?”

King Chen leaned back, crossing his arms. “I’m not mocking. I’m reminding you that obsession blinds warriors. And it gets them killed.”

Sisou dropped her chopsticks with a sharp clatter. “Then let me die chasing him. That’s better than sitting here being mocked by my own blood.”

Silence swept over the royal table.

Then Queen Momo said gently, “Perhaps… he isn’t just in your way. Perhaps he was meant to be part of your path.”

Sisou’s eyes flicked to her mother—confused. “Meant to?”

  She looked away and whispered,"Only God of Fangyi knows what would eventually happen to that trespasser,if I can find him! I'll kill him and feed his body to the hungry vultures in the forest! Who does he think he's?A Shaolin warrior?Or a Martial art God? Tsk! I'll still try finding him.The game's not over, after all! "

Sisou frowned at the sauteed rice before her,

"He's just made me small before the palace and the people of Fangyi State... I wish I can find him "

     "My dear, you are not eating. You don't like the sauteed rice and soysauce?" Queen Momo asked Sisou.

    Sisou looked up at her mother,"The food's okay."

   "Then eat!" Her father snapped.

Sisou poked at the rice with her chopsticks, then dropped them with a quiet sigh. “I’m not hungry,” she muttered.

King Chen banged his fist lightly on the table. “You’re letting one trespasser ruin your strength, your appetite, your peace?”

“He *didn’t* ruin me!” Sisou flared. “He caught me off guard—just once. That doesn’t mean I’m weak.”

Queen Momo laid a gentle hand over Sisou’s. “Then prove it with calmness, not with noise.”

Sisou stood abruptly. “Noise?” she echoed, eyes burning.  She glanced at her father,"I think I'm done eating, father! I need some rest!"

She said and left to her room hastily, slamming the door loudly. She collapsed on the bed and stared at the ceiling, fists clenched at her sides.

“Why does it feel like I lost?” she whispered to herself.

The image of the masked stranger flashed in her mind—those fierce eyes, that sudden strength, the way he disappeared like wind. Her jaw tightened.

“I should’ve struck first. I hesitated… because of *his* face?” she scoffed. “Tsk! Never again.”

She rolled onto her side, dragging a pillow close and hugging it tightly. “I’ll find you… masked freak. And when I do, I won’t freeze.”

"God of Fangyi why can't I just get that freak and punish him? I need to screw him up. Father thinks I'm weak. I want to make him remember that I once won the Shaolin competition award and no born by a woman can pull me down,as far as I live!' Sisou thought aloud.

   She sighed and slipped from the bed to the window. She outlooked the town of Fangyi filled with people . "Fangyi is just a big place. I need to visit our people..."

She pressed her fingers to the cool window frame, eyes scanning the lively streets of Fangyi—merchants calling out, children laughing, guards patrolling. All normal. All peaceful. And yet, inside her, a storm brewed.

****************

Got it — let’s make it feel more historic, regal, and grounded in the culture and tone of a traditional royal setting.

—

Dressed in a flowing amber silk gown embroidered with golden threads of Fangyi’s crest, Princess Sisou walked with solemn grace down the dusty stone path of the village square. Her presence alone silenced the bustling crowd. Traders paused mid-sale. Women held their children still. Men lowered their gazes in reverence.

“Her Royal Highness approaches,” an elder murmured.

Children broke into delighted grins, rushing forward with shy giggles.

“Princess Sisou! Princess Sisou!”

She stopped, smiling faintly as she laid her hand on a child’s head in blessing. The villagers bowed low.

Raising her chin, Sisou spoke, her voice clear like the chime of bronze bells.

“It gladdens my heart to see the prosperity of Fangyi growing stronger each moon. But remember—prosperity is not a gift. It is earned through toil, unity, and the honour of our fathers before us.”

“Aye, Princess!” the villagers replied in unison.

She continued, her tone sharpening with purpose.

“Let the markets remain clean, the hearths warm, and the hearts loyal. Should a stranger pass our borders—masked, wandering, unknown—he must be brought to the palace. We cannot risk another breach.”

 "Aye , princess Sisou!"

"And..."

Someone suddenly ran towards her, breathing heavily liked he narrowly escaped the physical force of death "My princess,my princess!"

Sisou widened her eyes before the villager,who looked worried,"What's the problem?"

   "My princess,some group of bandits are around. They're not far away from us. "The villager said.

"I want everyone into their houses!" Princess Sisou ordered.

  The villagers all ran into their cottage,in fear.

"My princess don't we need to call on our soldiers?"The villager asked, quivering in fear.

 Sisou smiled,"Get into your house. I'm more than a million soldiers!"

   The villager stared at her in awe, lips parted.

“Yes, my princess…” he murmured, before dashing into the nearest cottage.

The square, once lively, was now swallowed in silence. Only the distant rustling of leaves and the faint clinking of metal could be heard—the sound of the approaching bandits.

Sisou reached beneath her silk gown and drew her blade with a soft metallic hiss. The amber silk rippled around her like fire as the wind picked up.

She whispered to herself, “Let them come. Let them taste what it means to challenge Fangyi’s lioness.”

From the corner of her eye, she caught movement—twenty, no, thirty hefty figures creeping through the village’s east wall, dressed in leather and dirt, armed and smiling with arrogance.

One of them spotted her standing alone in the middle of the square and laughed, “Look! A royal flower all by herself?”

Another added, “Let’s pluck her.”

Sisou’s blade pointed downward, calm and steady.

“Come, then,” she said coolly, “and let your bones decorate our soil.”

   "How can a petite figure just confront us? " One of the bandits asked others ironically.

     They guffawed loudly.

"A beautiful lady with a stupid confidence!"One of them pointed at Sisou.

  "I'm Princess Sisou of Fangyi State, and I own this province after my father, King Chen of Fangyi State.And so, no stranger has the right to dare tresspass!"Sisou boldly said.

"What's she spitting out?"One of them asked the others.

They guffawed, again.

"It seems like you have gone bananas, you freaky little thing!" Another snapped at her.

"Well, let's see..."She whispered softly,"If I have really gone bananas!"She said, already in her favorite Shaolin stance.

The bandits glanced at each other and laughed,"What's she doing?"

"Abracadabra!" One pointed out, with his spade- like teeth which looked like what was used for the excavation of golds by their forefathers.

Sisou’s eyes narrowed, her breath steady and calm as she shifted her weight, ready to strike.

Her hands moved with practiced precision, fingers poised like the deadly claws of a tiger.

The bandits’ laughter faltered as she suddenly sprang forward, swift as a striking snake.

Arrows whistled through the air, aimed with deadly accuracy — one bandit fell, clutching his shoulder.

The others scrambled, realizing this was no ordinary princess.

“Fight like a warrior, not a fool!” Sisou shouted, her voice slicing through the chaos like a blade.

The bandits hesitated, then charged — but Sisou was already a blur, her movements a flawless dance of power and grace.

She dodged their punches and hit mightily and confronted them again distinctly. Then one by one they ran before her but she knocked them down with the most powerful fist defense. Some laid helplessly and some ran away.

"Now I want the all of you to leave Fangyi State without a plan of coming back!"She pointed at them.

"Okay, Princess Sisou of Fangyi State!"They scampered away, without a lookback.

Sisou sighed,"Stupid folks everywhere!"

With time,most of her people left their cottages and everywhere was soon crowded.

They bowed before her, everyone giving off an attitude of honor and utmost respect to Sisou.

Sisou stood tall, chest rising and falling with steady breaths, her eyes scanning the crowd.

The villagers, filled with awe and relief, bowed deeply, whispering words of praise.

One elder stepped forward, voice trembling with gratitude, “Princess Sisou, you’ve saved us all.”

Sisou nodded, a fierce pride glowing in her eyes. “Fangyi State will remain safe as long as I live.”

The sun dipped low, casting golden light over the peaceful town — a silent promise of protection from their warrior princess.

A teenager ran and knelt before her, yanking the hem of Sisou's dress"My princess, I wanna be like you!"

Sisou grinned."You'll be"

The little girl smiled,"Thank you, princess Sisou."

Sisou’s grin softened as she watched the little girl run off, hope sparkling in her eyes.

She turned back to the crowd, her voice steady but filled with quiet resolve.

“There’s nothing better than making your people feel safe and at home... but sometimes, protecting them demands sacrifice. It drains your strength and tests your spirit. Yet, it’s worth it—because they are the future of Fangyi.”

The villagers cheered, their faith in her renewed.

Sisou’s heart tightened, knowing the battles ahead were far from over—but for now, she was their shield.