warm lanterns - prologue

Lanterns drifted across the night sky, lighting up the lands as they floated higher and higher. Ren admired the sight from atop his balcony, sighing in awe.

Every year, on October 1st, everyone in the kingdoms would release a lantern to celebrate the prince's birthday — prince Ren Kuge. Despite the celebrations held specifically for him, he was forbidden to ever leave the castle. His father had stated the same words many times; "assassins will attack at any chance they get."

Ren huffed, resting his chin on his palms. 

"Assassins this, assassins that! They don't even know what I look like..." he murmured in frustration, reaching out towards the sea of lights. The kingdom seemed to call to him, as if inviting him out to the celebrations.

A gust of wind suddenly struck him, draping his hood across his face.

"What the-!" Ren struggled against the wind for a second, before a lightbulb smashed into his head. Thats right, as long as no one specifically saw his face — or his hair for that matter, he'd be able to participate in the festival without getting assassinated... right?

An enthusiastic smile crept upon his face, and he swiftly entered his chambers. His long, velvet robes swept behind him as he made his way to his wardrobe — a separate room which sheltered extravagent fabrics and so.

Rummaging through the jeweled outfits, Ren managed to find a hooded cloak, bland enough to sneak through crowds. He stripped, removing his layers and layers of robes before placing a white blouse and leather plants on. Carefully, he draped the cloak across his shoulders, pulling the hood forward to cover his face.

He walked aside his bedside desk, before picking up an emblazoned mirror and judging his appearance. 

With the hood on, the royal family's signature pitch black hair was shielded from the eyes of assassins. Perfect. 

end of prologu