I was back in the bedroom, trying to reason with my heart. I am not his only. From the start, the Prince had others. I had no right to feel sad about it. The Prince being with his concubines is his right. His status will require him to have an heir. The concubines have that ability. I did not. My body will never be able to give him children. The poison in my blood would never allow it.

In the end, I will never be able to give him what he needs.

"Ruyi"

When I heard the Prince's voice, I quietly faced him.

"R_ Ruyi apologized" I bowed my head to hide the shameful emotion. "F_ for running away earlier"

The Prince heavy sigh worsen my guilt.

"How is Concubine Mei Lin?" I asked softly. "Is she well? Is the child well?"

Even though it hurts, I never wished ill on anyone - especially an unborn child.

"There is no child"

Startled, I lifted my head to see his calm eyes studying me.

"Why would I have children with those women?"

Those women?

"I said it before, have you forgotten?" He took hold of my cold hand. "Those women are there to warm my bed, nothing else"

Wasn't I the same as those women? My eyes went to cold hand he held.

"Look at me"

I looked back up at him.

"Ruyi"

The Prince wrapped his arms around me and pulled me flushed to his tall hard body.

"Never run away from me" He whispered against the top of my head. "No matter what, you are mine. Don't forget"

The soft kiss in my hair made my heart ached. Why does he treat me so kindly? What does he want from me? I was afraid to ask – afraid that his kindness is only a fleeting act. Once he no longer wants me, I will be toss away.

I knew never to trust anyone. I never could.

I closed my eyes and an image appeared. My mother feeding me poison with her false worried expression. That image will forever be a constant reminder that I was not born in this world to be loved.