The morning sun had just risen when Prince Rong Yuan and Princess Moyin said goodbye to the kind village woman who had sheltered them. They hadn't gone far when a beautiful carriage stopped a few steps ahead.
"Good morning," the driver greeted politely. "I came to deliver goods here, and I'm returning to Hengling. Are you going the same way? I can give you a ride."
Moyin stepped back quickly, holding Rong Yuan's arm. "We can't afford that kind of carriage," she said quietly. "We're just poor travelers."
The driver smiled. "You don't have to pay. I'm going that way anyway."
After a short pause, Moyin looked at Rong Yuan, and he nodded gently. The driver got down, opened the door, and helped them inside. The seats were soft, and Moyin felt uneasy sitting in such comfort. Rong Yuan sat beside her quietly.
She didn't notice the brief look that passed between the driver and Rong Yuan, a quick nod, a few low words, almost like they already knew each other.
As the carriage started moving, Moyin relaxed a little, watching the trees pass by. But when they reached the gates of Hengling Palace, her uneasiness returned. She expected the driver to stop, but he didn't. To her surprise, the palace guards opened the gate without a single question.
Moyin's heart began to beat faster. Why didn't they stop us? she thought nervously. Did Father find me? Is this a trap?
She turned to the driver, her voice shaking. "Who are you? Who sent you?"
The driver only nodded politely, saying nothing.
Then a terrible thought struck her, freezing her in place. "The Prince of Yunhai…" she whispered, as tears filled her eyes.
Rong Yuan quickly took her hand and said softly, "Don't be afraid. I'm here with you."
The carriage stopped inside the palace courtyard. Moyin's legs felt weak as she stepped down beside him. Her heart pounded harder than ever, unsure of what was waiting for them next.
But to her surprise, Prince Zhao Kum came toward them. He bowed slightly and said with a calm smile, "You are welcome to my kingdom."
Princess Moyin froze, staring at him in confusion. His kingdom? she thought, her heart skipping a beat. Does he know Rong Yuan?
As they walked farther in, her eyes darted around, taking in the beauty of the palace. Everything gleamed, golden walls, carved pillars, and soft music in the distance. It felt as if something grand was about to happen… or perhaps, something had already begun.
With Rong Yuan's gentle hand supporting her, she walked slowly forward, her legs trembling. When they entered the throne room, she stopped completely, her whole body stiffened.
The sight before her made her blood run cold.
The hall was exactly as she remembered it on her engagement day, adorned with flowers and bright lanterns, filled with the scent of wine and laughter. Guests filled every corner, dressed in rich silks and smiling faces. Her gaze moved to the center, and her mouth fell open.
There, sitting side by side, were Emperor Xuanyan Lie and her father.
Her breath caught. She recognized the emperor's face instantly. A single tear slid down her cheek before she could stop it. After everything… he still wants me to marry his son.
Slowly, she turned around, her tears flowing freely. Then her body froze again.
Her mother stood just a few steps behind her.
The look in the Empress's eyes made her heart pound. It wasn't anger, it was something deeper, colder. "You're lucky you didn't fall into the wrong hands," her mother said quietly, before turning away.
Moyin tried to speak, but her voice broke. Only a soft sob escaped her lips. "Rong…" she turned, wanting to call the man she loved more than anything, "Rong Yuan…" But when she turned, he was gone.
Her eyes widened, and tears fell harder as panic rose in her chest. Did they seize him? Send him to prison? The thought twisted her heart painfully.
She stumbled back, dizzy and lost, until a hand caught her. "Careful, Princess," the man said gently before letting go and taking a seat among the other guests.
She stood trembling, her thoughts in chaos. When she looked again at her father, hoping for some comfort, he only smiled, a calm, proud smile that once warmed her, but now made her legs weak with fear.
Before she could think further, two maids came and gently took her by the arms. "Please, Your Highness, come with us," one said softly. "Today is your day."
Her heart sank at those words. My day? For what?
They led her to her chamber to prepare her for the wedding.
Inside the room, Moyin sank onto a chair as tears streamed down her face. She didn't understand. A wedding? To whom? To the very man she once ran away from? Her heart ached with confusion and dread.
As the maids dressed her in silk and combed her hair, they tried to comfort her.
"Please don't cry, Your Highness," one said with a smile. "The prince you're marrying looks so kind and handsome. You'll be happy with him."
Another maid added gently, "Yes, Princess. You are very fortunate. He seems like someone who will treasure you."
But Moyin only stared blankly at her reflection, her tears falling silently. Kind? Handsome? she thought bitterly. But my heart belongs to another.
The thought of where Rong Yuan could be brought a deep ache to her heart. Did he feel intimidated because I'm a princess… and run away? she wondered. Or was he arrested, for being with me, a woman promised to a prince?
Her mind refused to rest. The hall's laughter and the cheerful songs outside felt distant, meaningless. She turned suddenly, reaching for Maid Lian's arm, her voice trembling.
"Lian," she said, "do you… do you know what happened to the man I came here with? The traveller who was with me earlier?"
The maid blinked, glancing uncertainly at the others. "What man, Your Highness?" she asked hesitantly.
Moyin's breath hitched. "The man who came with me in the carriage," she said quickly, desperation creeping into her tone. "He was right beside me when we arrived!"
The maids exchanged confused looks, shaking their heads. "We didn't see anyone, Princess," one of them said softly. "You came alone. The guards said there was no other with you."
Moyin's heart dropped. The room felt colder suddenly.
No… I wasn't alone. He was there. He held my hand. And we walked into the throne room together.
Her fingers tightened around the silk of her dress, her pulse racing.
"Rong Yuan…" she whispered, her eyes glistening. "Where are you?"