The fire had burned low, its embers glowing faintly like scattered rubies. The forest around them had fallen quiet, save for the whisper of night insects and the sigh of wind weaving through the pines.
Moyin had drifted to sleep first, wrapped in her cloak beside the fire. Her breathing was soft and even.
He lay a little distance away, eyes half-closed, forcing himself to rest. But sleep refused him. His senses were sharp, listening to every sound, every movement… even the rhythm of her heartbeat didn't excaped his ear.
She stirred in her sleep, frowning as if caught in a dream. Then slowly, she shifted, the hem of her cloak brushing his arm. Before he could move, she leaned unconsciously closer, her head resting lightly against his shoulder.
Her hair brushed his sleeve, carrying a faint, sweet fragrance. The warmth of her body seeped through the thin layer of fabric, stirring something inside him, something long buried, both tender and dangerous.
He froze, his breath catching. His hand, resting on his knee, tensed slightly, fingers curling as if resisting a thought. For a long while, he stayed perfectly still, eyes open to the faint shimmer of moonlight filtering through the trees.
The light traced the curve of his jaw, and he found himself wondering how someone so fearless could also look so fragile.
When she shifted again, murmuring softly in her sleep, he allowed himself a quiet deep breath, before turning his gaze away.
"Foolish girl…" he murmured under his breath, trying to chase away the thoughts that dared to surface.
He remained like that till dawn, letting her rest against him, till sleep finally stole him away.
---
By morning, the fire had died completely. The forest was wrapped in pale mist, birds singing softly above. He looked down and realized they had drawn close in their sleep, or rather, she had. Her arm was draped across his chest, her face serene.
He exhaled slowly, gently moving her aside before standing and slipping into the woods.
---
The woods were cool and quiet. Dew clung to the grass, and faint sunlight struggled through the leaves. Rong Yuan walked until their camp was out of sight.
He leaned against a tree, tilting his head back with a quiet sigh. What's wrong with you, Rong Yuan? he thought bitterly. She's just a girl, a reckless one at that.
But his chest betrayed him, still carrying the warmth of her head against his shoulder. Her scent clung faintly to his sleeve, and his fingers itched with the memory of her touch.
He closed his eyes and drew in a deep breath, forcing himself to calm down . Years of discipline, of holding and holding back should have made this easy. Yet one stubborn princess had managed to unsteady him in a single night.
Don't forget you are the fools she speaks of, he told himself. Remember who you are, and remember that she is a reckless princess, who's family can control.
With that, he stooped to gather a few berries and a wild banana, filled his flask with water from a nearby stream, and made his way back to camp.
---
A while later, Moyin stirred awake. Blinking against the morning light, she sat up, her cloak slipping halfway off her shoulders. She looked around and froze.
The spot beside her was empty.
Her heart jolted. "Don't tell me he left…" she muttered, standing quickly. "That shameless man! I paid him to take me to Xiyue, and now…"
Her voice broke slightly, anger masking something softer, an ache she refused to admit.
"Looking for me?"
She spun around. He stood at the edge of the clearing, holding a bottle of water and a handful of wild berries and banana. His clothes were damp with morning dew.
"I went to find breakfast," he said simply, walking toward her.
She only rolled her eyes, refusing to speak.
"You talk in your sleep," he added, his tone teasing.
Her cheeks flushed instantly. "W...what did I… say?"
He gave her a faint, knowing smile. "Something about..." he paused, pretending to think, "...'I am Princess.' "
Her eyes widened. "You… you heard that?"
He shrugged, settling on a rock. "You must have met quite a few princess to dream about them."
"I… I was only repeating a story," she stammered, flustered.
"Of course," he said mildly, amusement flickering in his eyes.
She huffed and turned away, gathering her things as she said "You can think whatever you like."
He watched her with quiet humor. "Are you planning to glare at the ground all day?"
"I'm just wondering how a man like you can be so smug after eavesdropping on a lady's sleep."
"I wasn't eavesdropping," he said with mock innocence, stepping closer. "You were simply loud enough to scare the owls away."
Her mouth fell open. "You…!" She charged toward him but stopped short when their eyes met. For a heartbeat, neither moved. Her breath hitched. Then she turned away quickly, face warm.
Why am I feeling this way? she thought. Why does his presence feel so… different? I am a princess, and he's just a commoner. What's so special about him?
"Can we go now, my lady?" he said, brushing past her. "Xiyue won't come to us."
They walked in silence for a long while, the sound of their footsteps mingling with the rustle of leaves. Moyin kept glancing at his back, annoyed by how calm he looked, as if he carried no weight in the world.
Finally, she quickened her pace, walking ahead of him just to prove she wasn't following his lead. "You're too composed to be a poor traveler," she said, tossing the words over her shoulder. "Most men would'...." She didn't complete the statement.
He raised a brow, his tone unhurried. "Do I look like most men you've met?"
"What?!" she exclaimed, spinning around to glare at him, her heel catching on a loose root.
Before she could fall, his hand shot out, catching her wrist and pulling her against him.
Her heart pounded. His arm was firm around her waist, his scent mixed with the crisp scent of pine. For a heartbeat, the world seemed to still.
Their eyes met, too close. She could feel the warmth of his breath against her skin.
Then he released her gently, stepping back with quiet restraint.
"Careful," he said softly. "You'd break easily if you fell."
"I didn't ask for your help," she muttered, cheeks burning.
"I noticed," he replied, turning away before she could see the flicker of emotion in his own eyes.
She stood frozen for a moment, staring at his back, her pulse still racing.