The Three Little Guardian Angels

She bore the surname Lee.

She did not favor this name, but he declared that from then on, she would be a member of the Lee Family, the eldest daughter of the Prime Minister, a life of splendor and wealth, and her name was to be June Lee.

He told her to forget her past, to erase the memories of her parents who made her a princess of a traitorous land, to let go of everything from Featherland.

She loved him, so she offered no retort. Or perhaps, she had no strength left to argue.

As a princess of a traitorous nation, to escape death was a stroke of fortune.

She was filled with gratitude towards him.

Over a decade ago, when Featherland still existed, a small kingdom where her royal parents doted on her, cherishing her as the apple of their eye. Her days were carefree and joyful.

He was a young prince of Prayerland.

Her parents often took her to Prayerland, claiming it was for diplomatic gifts, attending every significant banquet in Prayerland.

Thus, she and he had many interactions.

They were childhood sweethearts, innocent and naive. At just a few years old, Jade Lin held her small hand, his voice tender yet resolute as he promised, "Little June, remember, when I grow up, I will ask my father to grant us marriage! Until then, you must not be swayed by other men! You are mine, Jade Lins!"

She giggled and nodded in agreement.

That promise remained unwavering into their adolescence. Despite the attentions of many noble suitors, she never wavered.

Her mother understood her heart and did not pressure her to accept anyones affections.

Jade Lin had grown into a dashing young man, often teasing her with girls handkerchiefs or fragrant letters, his expression sly as he joked, "Today, another lady sent me a handkerchief. Let me see, this letter is so sweet! The lady who wrote it must be elegant!" He would pretend to be intoxicated by the scent, holding the handkerchief to his nose, but his eyes were fixed on her.

June felt a pang of grievance and was often brought to tears by his teasing. Though she knew he was jesting, her spirits could not be lifted, and even a few exchanges would leave her in tears.

When she cried, he would discard those items, pulling her into an embrace, patting her back, "Little June, dont cry, Im just teasing you. I am yours in life and in death! Even if all the women in the world want to marry me, I will only take you as my wife! You are the only one in my heart."

His voice was gentle, capable of turning her tears into laughter in an instant: "You think all the women in the world are interested in you! With your demeanor, any woman would avoid you! They are all deceived by your appearance! Now that youve grown up, handsome, you only know how to flirt with girls!"

She would retort, not willing to show weakness, which would make her feel better.

He would continue to argue that he was handsome even as a child, grinning unashamedly.

Wouldnt it be nice if people never grew up?

She had thought they could stay that way, together until old age.

Later, their communication became less frequent. He no longer felt the urgency of seeing her every day, no longer sent letters with haste.

She would watch the palace gates, but when they opened, it was never the cloth-clad messenger she longed for.

She consoled herself, believing Jade Lins responsibilities had grown, a man of passion and valor, not always bound by love.

But as he reached the age of taking a consort, he never mentioned the promise of yesteryears.

Their conversations grew silent.

The atmosphere often became so heavy it was hard to breathe. Sometimes, when she saw something amusing and wanted to share it with him, she would turn to find him silently gazing into the distance.

Her enthusiasm was doused by his indifference, his apathy.

She would sit beside him, disheartened, silent.

A great mountain seemed to rise between them, growing ever more distant.

Until one day, Jade Lin sent for her to come to Prayerland. The messenger did not explain the reason, but she went. She had not seen her beloved in so long, and despite her parents objections, their imprisonment could not stop her from sneaking out to follow the messenger to Prayerland.

She did not know that this journey would turn her world upside down.

June saw Jade Lin by the lake, his mood seemingly very good, his handsome face full of pride and satisfaction.

She did not understand why he was so elated, but her lips also curled up in response.

The night was perfect, with a bright moon and sparse stars, their reflections in the lake still appeared so close and harmonious.

For a moment, she forgot all the ness before, allowing Jade Lin to take her around and enjoy the sights.

During those days, their conversations increased again.

He said he had learned much from the general, and his father valued him greatly, saying he would achieve great things in the future.

He also said he had raised a Persian cat, a tribute pet, very lovable, with eyes that resembled hers.

It turned out that over the years, out of her sight, he had changed so much.

Once they only talked about the moon and the wind, now he spoke of national affairs with ambition and passion.

She remained the same, the innocent and lovely Little June.

He seemed no longer the person she remembered.