I turned to the speaker, breath still catching in my throat.
> "Yeah... I'm okay," I murmured, finding myself face-to-face with Bai Long.
His arms wrapped tightly around me, trembling ever so slightly.
> "I got so worried about you," he whispered against my hair.
I gently pushed him back, my fingers resting on his chest.
> "Okay, but... give me a little space at least."
He blinked, pulling away just enough, eyes glassy with emotion.
> "Hmm... okay."
Before either of us could say more, a teasing voice called out.
> "Hey! Is this your boyfriend?"
> "No!" I blurted at the same time he stepped forward, smirking.
> "She's right. I'm not her boyfriend," he said smoothly. "Because she's my fiancée."
I didn't deny it. Just then, arms suddenly wrapped around me from behind.
> "Sis!" Xiao Xiao's voice cracked. "Finally, we found you!"
Relieved, I leaned into his hug.
> "I'm okay, so don't worry."
Turning to the soldiers nearby, I added firmly,
> "Make sure all the kidnapped girls are escorted safely home."
> "Yes, Princess," one of them replied with a bow.
Xiao Xiao turned back to me, eager to introduce someone.
> "Sis, this is the Crown Prince of Longsh"
> "I know," I cut in, my voice confident.
His eyes widened.
> "How?"
Bai Long stepped forward, that knowing glint in his eyes.
> "Because she's my fiancée," he said again, his voice velvety smooth.
I nodded.
> "Yeah, this is true."
Xiao Xiao's mouth dropped open.
> "Wait—so you two are getting married?!"
> "Yeah," I replied simply.
But before the moment could settle, a wave of dizziness washed over me. My knees buckled.
Bai Long caught me before I hit the ground. His face hovered close, shadows dancing in his eyes as he carried me gently back to my bed.
Lying there, my voice came out weak.
> "Is someone here...? I'm... thirsty."
> "Here is water," someone said.
I sipped from the offered cup, but paused.
> "Why does this taste... weird?"
> "It's nothing, Princess," the voice said, too quickly.
I didn't believe them—but sleep pressed down on me like a heavy fog. I couldn't fight it.
Darkness.
When I woke up again, I sensed warmth beside me—an unfamiliar heat curled around my waist.
I turned. My breath caught.
> "What are you doing here?"
Bai Long lay next to me, shirt open, skin pale and glistening with sweat. He looked... sick.
> "What happened?" I asked, trying not to panic.
Before he could reply, he suddenly groaned in pain and collapsed back onto the bed, clutching his side.
> "Ahhh... wha—what's going on? Why am I here?"
> "That's my question!" I snapped, sitting up straight as the door burst open.
The maid entered, flustered.
> "Princess Xiaofeng! I heard your scream—are you alright?"
> "I'm fine," I said, not taking my eyes off Bai Long. "You can go."
As the door shut, I turned to him, my voice sharp.
> "Tell me the truth. You really don't know anything about this?"
He met my gaze, genuinely confused.
> "I swear... I don't. I have no idea what's happening."
He turned to leave, but then stopped. His eyes froze on my neck.
> "Wait... why do you have so many kiss marks and... love bites?"
My hand flew to my neck. My heartbeat stuttered.
No. No—what the hell happened?
The panic hit me all at once. I jumped from the bed, trying to flee—but Bai Long grabbed my hand.
> "Let me go—!"
He pulled me back hard. I stumbled, and suddenly he was inches away, his voice low and dangerous.
> "Why are you trying to run away from me?" he whispered.
Then—his lips brushed mine. Gentle. Possessive. Like he owned me.
My heart slammed against my ribs. I shoved him back, face burning.
> "What are you doing?! Are you out of your mind?!"
He didn't answer. Just gave that maddening, unreadable smile as he straightened his robes.
We both dressed in silence. The tension sat between us like a stormcloud.
I broke it first.
> "So… what now?"
He looked calm. Too calm.
> "Don't worry. You're my fiancée. We'll get married as soon as possible."
I narrowed my eyes.
> "Was all this some kind of plan? To trap me into marriage?"
He only smiled.
> "Of course not. The marriage was already arranged, wasn't it? Why would I do something so… dishonorable?"
I didn't answer. I didn't trust his charm. Not now.
I adjusted my collar, hiding the marks on my skin. Hiding the confusion, the fear, the heat still lingering from that kiss.
And the worst part?
I still didn't know what had really happened in the dark.