Princess Moyin trailed quietly behind Rong Yuan, her steps slowing with every breath. "Have we not reached where we can get a ride?" she asked, panting lightly. "My legs are about to give out."
"You said you didn't want to be caught," he replied without glancing back. "If your uncle finds you, he'll tie you up and send you to that fool of a prince." He rolled his eyes.
"But I'm tired," she complained. "Do you plan to kill me before I ever reach him?"
"He?" He turned slightly, amusement tugging at his lips. "Who is this he now? I thought we were heading to your sister's house, so she could hide you from your uncle. When did this mysterious he appear?" he asked mockingly.
They reached a narrow stream glimmering under the scorching sun. Rong Yuan dropped his bag on a flat stone. "The weather's unbearable," he said, loosening his robe. "I need a bath."
Princess Moyin turned her back immediately. "You can bathe alone," she said sharply.
"Would you care to join me, my lady?" he teased, stepping into the cool water.
When he was done, he walked out, water dripping from his hair and shoulders. "Miss Moyin," he called.
When she turned, then froze. A startled gasp escaped her lips as her gaze fell upon him, completely bare. Flustered, she spun back around, face crimson.
"You...! You did that on purpose!" she shouted, her voice trembling. "You shameless man! How dare you stand naked before a woman, before a stranger!"
Rong Yuan laughed quietly, stepping closer until his warm breath brushed her ear. "And yet," he murmured, "you didn't seem to mind when you were all over me last night, my lady." His tone was smooth and deliberate, laced with mischief.
Her cheeks burned hotter. "W...What are you saying!" she stammered, turning to glare at him. "I command you to kneel before me!"
But the moment her eyes met his bare chest again, she froze. "You insolent man!" she snapped, quickly turning away. "Get dressed before I feed you to the beasts of this forest!"
He chuckled and brushed past her, deliberately letting his shoulder graze hers before he began dressing.
Despite her indignation, her eyes betrayed her. She found herself stealing glances, at the curve of his shoulders, the strength in his hands. How could a mere commoner carry himself with such… grace? she wondered, quickly looking away.
"You don't have to steal glances, my lady," he said lightly, fastening his belt. "If you want to look, look openly."
Her eyes widened. "You...!"
He slung his bag over his shoulder, smiling faintly. "Come, Your Highness. We still have a long way to go ."
They had not walked long when the forest began to change. The light dimmed, the sky heavy with clouds. The soft warmth of the afternoon gave way to a restless wind that scattered leaves across the path.
Rong Yuan glanced upward. "A storm is coming," he said. "We should find shelter."
Princess Moyin hugged her cloak closer. "How far until the next village?"
"Far," he replied. "Too far for comfort."
Thunder rolled across the distant hills. The air thickened with the scent of rain. They quickened their pace, the silence between them now charged with urgency.
When the first drops fell, it was gentle, almost merciful. But within moments, the heavens opened, drenching everything in silver rain.
"Quickly!" Rong Yuan shouted over the wind. He caught Moyin's wrist and pulled her toward a cluster of rocks near a slope. Behind them, a shallow cave yawned open, dark and dry.
Inside, he spread his cloak on the ground and motioned for her to sit. She hesitated, then lowered herself gracefully, her hair clinging to her cheeks.
"You're soaked," he said, wringing water from his sleeves.
"So are you," she replied quietly.
He smiled faintly. "True. But I'm used to it."
For a moment, only the sound of rain filled the space. Then a soft shiver passed through her. He noticed it immediately.
"Here," he said, moving closer. "You'll catch a chill." He slipped his cloak from his shoulders and wrapped it gently around her. His hand brushed her arm, lingering just a second too long.
She looked up, startled, but his gaze was steady, sincere.
"Thank you," she murmured, lowering her eyes.
"You're welcome, my lady," he said softly.
Lightning flashed, illuminating the cave. In that brief light, she studied his face, strong, calm, yet softened by something unspoken. Her heart fluttered.
"Rong Yuan…" she began, her voice barely audible. "You risk a great deal helping me. Why?"
He hesitated, then looked away. "Because I gave my word," he said. After a pause, he added, "And because… I would not forgive myself if harm came to you."
Her lips parted, but she said nothing. The words hung between them, fragile and real.
When thunder shook the ground again, she instinctively moved closer. He didn't pull away. Instead, he reached for her hand, his fingers warm against her cold skin.
The storm roared outside, but inside the cave, there was only stillness, and the quiet thrum of two hearts that dared not speak what they felt.
When the rain finally ceased, the forest awoke in glimmers of silver mist. Drops slid from leaves and branches like falling stars.
Prince Rong Yuan rose first, brushing damp soil from his cloak. "The rain has stopped," he said. "We should continue before night falls."
Princess Moyin frowned, refusing to move. "The ground is too wet. I cannot walk on this."
He turned to her, staring as though he hadn't heard correctly. "Too wet?" His voice carried disbelief. "Are you not the one who insisted on taking the forest path, the hard way?"
"And so what?" she snapped, crossing her arms. "I'm not going anywhere right now."
His jaw tightened. "When do you intend to go, then, my lady?" he asked, his tone edged with mockery.
"When the sun has dried the leaves," she declared stubbornly, lifting her chin.
He gave a dry laugh. "Then you can stay here."
Before he could take another step, she reached out and grabbed his sleeve. "I paid you for this journey!" she reminded him sharply.
He raised an eyebrow, turning slightly to face her. "And the blanket you sleep on? The food you eat? Where do you think those came from?"
"I don't care!" she retorted, tugging his sleeve harder.
His patience broke. "Then stay, Your Majesty," he said coldly, pulling his arm free and turning away.
He had taken only a few steps when her voice rang out, clear, commanding, and filled with royal authority.
"I command you to stop right there!"
Rong Yuan froze. Slowly, he turned, eyes narrowing in disbelief. Her tone wasn't just stubborn, it carried power, the unmistakable weight of someone born to rule.
His gaze darkened as he stepped toward her, each stride deliberate. "Who are you," he asked quietly, his voice low but sharp, "to command me?"
She faltered, stepping back instinctively. There was something in his eyes she couldn't name, something dangerous, restrained, yet magnetic.
The air between them thickened with tension, neither willing to yield.