The mountain wind had grown colder, brushing against my skin like the fingers of a memory. I stood at the cliff's edge, the entire valley spread before me in silence and starlight—when a sudden voice cut through the stillness.
> "DO YOU LOVE THIS PLACE!?"
I turned sharply, startled. A familiar silhouette emerged from the shadows, bathed in moonlight.
> "It's me... my princess," Bai Long said, a slow smile curling at his lips.
A flutter stirred in my chest. Of course, it was him.
> "Did you... follow me?" I asked, trying to keep my voice calm, though I knew I wasn't fooling anyone.
> "Mm-hmm. Yeah," he replied, stepping closer, his tone low, almost playful. "I heard what the Emperor said to you—about our marriage."
I looked away. That word still felt heavy. Like shackles disguised in silk.
> "Hmm," I murmured, unsure what to say. The breeze shifted my hair as we stood in silence.
Then his voice cut through again—more serious this time.
> "By the way, I've found out who drugged us that day," he said, eyes locked on mine.
My breath caught.
> "I don't know why she did it, but… we can go together tomorrow. Ask her everything. Get the answers ourselves."
I tilted my head, curiosity rising like smoke.
> "Ohh... okayyy," I said softly, my thoughts already swirling.
Just then, my stomach gave a small growl, betraying me.
> "Hey, I'm hungry," I said, a sheepish smile forming. "You want to eat something too?"
He chuckled and nodded, and before I knew it, we were walking through the sleepy town below the palace, lanterns glowing soft amber above the streets. We found a small restaurant tucked into the edge of the road, warm and quiet. The scent of dumplings and rice filled the air.
We sat down, the wooden table between us still and simple, yet somehow it felt intimate.
Then—
> "Hey, my princess," Bai Long said, his voice lazy and teasing, "there's something on your lips."
> "Huh?" I blinked.
> "Let me clean it for you," he said, reaching forward.
His finger gently brushed against the corner of my lips.
Just one touch—and my whole body reacted. Like something electric sparked beneath my skin. I stared at him, heart pounding. His gaze was steady, eyes unreadable.
> "Why are you blushing?" he asked, a teasing gleam in his voice.
> "Huhh?! I am blushing? You've definitely lost your mind. That's why you're imagining nonsense like that," I snapped, attempting to collect what remained of my dignity.
> "Okay," he said simply, his smirk deepening.
But before I could retreat or protest—he leaned in and kissed me.
Time froze.
I was stunned. Breathless.
> "H-hu-huh?! Have you lost your mind?" I gasped, barely able to find my voice.
He laughed softly, eyes dancing with mischief.
Then—he kissed me again.
> "Now that you said I've lost my mind," he murmured, lips grazing mine, "I was just proving your point a little."
My cheeks flamed, and my entire body felt like it was glowing from the inside out. I turned away sharply, no words left in me, heart hammering in my chest.
He just stood there, watching.
Back at the palace, I didn't speak. I walked ahead without a glance behind.
Bai Long didn't follow.
As soon as I reached my room, I closed the door quietly behind me and leaned against it—my chest rising and falling in rapid rhythm.
His kiss still lingered on my lips.
And I couldn't tell whether it was confusion, fear, or something far more dangerous that made my hands tremble.