Shui Yi leaned against the wall next to where the armor and weapons were lined. Ling Yue had started another chaotic training session.
"Ten at a time, soldiers! Don't make it easy for me!" she shouted with a mischievous grin as she swerved between them, effortlessly dodging their strikes and picking them off.
With a flick of her wrist, one soldier was sent sprawling to the ground, and another was thrown into a stack of armor. The soldiers were stunned, unsure if they were fighting or watching a performance.
"General Ling, go easy on my soldiers," Long Fei called out.
"Oh, don't tell me you're going to spoil my fun, Your Highness? These soldiers are so serious about their training." She sat on a soldier and crossed her arms, her teeth gleaming through her sleek mask.
The prince tapped her off the soldier. "I'd prefer if you didn't turn the barracks into a battlefield. The soldiers still need formal training."
"Fine, fine, I'll let them off easy today," she said with a wink before turning to the bewildered soldiers. "You heard His Highness! Training's over! You're all free to lick your wounds!"
Shui Yi walked towards the sound of the Crown Prince's voice. He had spotted Zhao Bai standing a safe distance away from Ling Yue. "I'm leaving for a while. Lieutenant General Shui is coming with me. Major General Zhao, let General Ling know, will you?"
Zhao Bai saluted, and the prince turned, heading toward her, who had been quietly waiting nearby. She smiled as she combed her fake mustache and beard. "Where are we going?"
"Let's leave before any more distractions. It's safer if we travel under the radar." He pointed his fan toward a rustic carriage waiting outside, the driver already prepared.
As they stepped inside, the sudden movement jolted the carriage forward, causing her to stumble into him. She quickly righted herself, blushing, as she sat beside him. The soft swish of the curtains and the rhythmic clatter of the wheels were the only sounds accompanying them through the quiet countryside.
She stole a glance at him, her heart wavering as he used his fan. This Long Fei was so similar to the one that traveled with her through the transitional realm—his voice, look, presence and even the way he behaved. He held his fan as if to cool himself, but the breeze always found her. Typical, of him to secretly do things for her, pretending it was for himself. But this version of him didn't remember their history. Yet, here she was again, drawn to him as if fate had tied red threads around them.
The Crown Prince, unaware of her turmoil, reached toward her face and gently pulled off her fake mustache and beard. She reached for her mouth accidentally pressing his fingers against her lips. He immediately withdrew his hand and turned toward the window, the tip of his ears reddened.
"This may be the last time I get to spend time alone with you like this," he admitted. "Once we reach the palace, we'll have to keep our distance."
"I thought you didn't want me at the Palace. Why are you taking me there?"
"I know, but my father has requested the Legendary Healer."
"Oh..." Her heart sank, unsure why she was surprised. She ran her fingers over where her faux beard had been.
"I'm sorry. Are you uncomfortable going to the Palace?"
"It's just... never mind. I suppose your father is not well."
"No, he's not..." The prince let out a breath as he continued to fan them.
"I'll do my best," she murmured, fiddling with her fingers.
They arrived at a small village. Long Fei handed her a veiled hat and put on his own. She copied his movements, realizing he was trying to hide their identities. He paid the carriage driver as she stepped down.
"You need new clothes," he said firmly.
She frowned, now that she was finally getting used to her disguise. "I can't go to the palace dressed as a man?"
"Shui Yi, if you met the Emperor in that disguise, it would be considered treason. Besides, there are strict dress codes in the Palace." He led her into a modest shop filled with fabrics, colorful silks, and embroidered dresses.
"I would like your finest dress, please," he told the shopkeeper.
She hesitated as she browsed through the selection. When the shopkeeper handed her a garment and gestured toward the fitting room, she sighed, realizing she had little choice.
***
From behind the curtain, Long Fei could hear Shui Yi fumbling with the fabric, followed by muffled muttering. He chuckled, recalling her reaction when he had given her soldier's clothes.
When she finally stepped out, the sight of her took his breath away. The dress draped elegantly over her, transforming her into a vision of grace and beauty he hadn't expected. Her long silver hair cascaded down to her waist, a striking contrast against the delicate fabric.
"Do you think I'll pass in this?" she asked, cheeks tinged pink.
He gulped, took a deep breath, and nodded. The shopkeeper gawked at her, but the prince swiftly used his fan to close the man's mouth, pressing a pouch of silver into his hands. "She'll take it as is, thanks."
Shui Yi placed her round-rimmed hat back on, the veil covering her face and shoulders.
The day continued with more shopping. Long Fei found joy in learning her preferences, and despite her initial protests, she seemed fascinated by all the street vendors. Surprisingly, she had a large appetite. She pulled him eagerly along the street, and he found himself buying everything from steamed buns and scallion pancakes to glazed hawthorn skewers, grilled meat, sticky rice wrapped in banana leaves, honey cakes, and soft rice cakes.
By the time they found another carriage, Long Fei was exhausted. The gentle sway of the ride lulled her to sleep as she leaned against his shoulder. His heart pounded, reminding him that the palace was too dangerous for her. If he let himself get closer, he would only put her in harm's way. His mother had plans he knew would bring her nothing but trouble. And most of all, he was the Crown Prince.
But none of it seemed to matter at the moment. He gently held her chin, worried that she would hit her head given the bumpy ride. Her eyes fluttered open, gazing at him with a sweetness that shattered his resolve. "Shui Yi… May I?" he whispered.
She sat up. Her fingers trembled as they brushed his cheek, then tenderly cupped his face. He closed his eyes and leaned in—
Creak. The carriage door swung open. Long Fei immediately opened his fan wide to cover her face as she withdrew her hand. He shot a glacial glare at the intruder, nostrils flaring.
The driver stood there, eyes widened. "Forgive me, Your Highness! I… I didn't realize…" His face reddened as he hurriedly slammed the door shut.
The Crown Prince exhaled, closing his fan, his eyes apologetic. "Remember, we must keep our distance around the Palace."
The driver knocked lightly on the door, signaling their arrival. The prince stepped out of the carriage and paused next to the driver. "I suggest you keep what you think you saw a secret for all our sakes."