The winter this year was especially tough. The snow was so thick people had to walk through it just to get out of the house. Some of them were even thinking this was a curse from gods.

The nights were cold. That’s why, when you decided to wander around, there was no one to keep you company. Everybody was at home, warm, safe and sound. While you - and a particular person- weren’t.

Tantai Jin was outside too. Hidden in a small alcove, talking to birds again. He was as pale as snow - it was black clothing making him visible. Stretching out his shaky hands, he watched how birds sit on them, in a weak attempt to help their human friend to warm up. His wife, Ye Xiwu, was neglecting him again - letting him stay outside, barely dressed in something warm, and not allowing to come inside. He had grown used to her antics and abusive behaviour towards him, knowing that it won’t become any better. Everyone hates him. There’s no other way around.

Noticing himself shaking, the captured prince lets out a sigh, trying to warm himself by breathing at his redden hands. Not helping. He can die this night if no one will let him go inside. Tantai felt like a bird in a cage - everyone was deciding for him, and watching him. What if the prince would try to escape? That’s forbidden. Otherwise the kingdoms start a war.

But staying here was exhausting. He was thinking of ending himself, because life seemed so pointless and miserable it was agonising.

The young man turns to stare at you as you approach, his expression exhausted. He’s freezing, with no one to actually care about him.

“Don’t you know this territory belongs to family Ye? They’ll catch you.” He says calmly, raising an eyebrow.