Prince Tiān Jùn's chariot rolled to a gentle halt along the winding coastal road. He stood beside it, his eyes drawn to the horizon, and then to the figure that broke it.
A lone girl sat at the edge of the sea, the tide lapping close to her toes. She was utterly still, her back to the world, as if the ocean itself were whispering secrets only she could hear.
Tiān Jùn squinted, curiosity stirring in his chest. "Who's that lady over there?"
Yán Lǐng leaned in and whispered, "Your Highness, that's Mò Lián. Lord Chen's only daughter. She lives with her grandparents. Locals say... she was born a demon. Her mother died giving birth to her. Her father's a trader; he lives in the south and visits mostly during festivals. That's all I know. Should I do more research?"
Intrigue flickered in Tiān Jùn's gaze.
"I'll be back," he said.
He dismounted and began walking toward her, his footsteps silent in the sand.
Mò Lián didn't move. She remained seated cross-legged in the cool grains, her gaze locked on the shimmering sea. She noticed the silent approach.
"I knew you'd find me here," she whispered, not turning. "One day."
There was a pause, her voice quieter now.
"I'll join you later. Just let me be... for now... please."
But his steps continued, steady and certain.
She let out a sigh, defeated. "Okay... you got me."
She rose slowly, turning toward him.
Their eyes met for the first time.
She blinked in disbelief. "Are you... human?" She whispered to herself. "You look... unreal."
Suddenly dizzy, she wobbled, her body swaying forward.
"My feet hurt, but I want more..." she murmured, her words lost to the wind.
Then she stumbled.
Tiān Jùn moved like breath, catching her in his arms, not at her waist, but under her thighs and lifting her gently, his hand cradling the curve of her ass with unconscious boldness.
"Hey, wake up!" he urged, concern soft in his voice.
She steadied herself quickly, flustered, stepping away with a bow.
"I'm sorry... excuse me," she muttered.
He watched her with an amused glint.
"Mò Lián," he said, his voice velvet over stone.
She froze.
"You know my name?" She asked, wide-eyed and pointing at herself.
"Of course," he grinned. "You're quite popular."
He gestured toward the sea. "Come on, sit. The breeze is too good to waste."
They sat side by side, the hush of waves surrounding them.
Mò Lián's thoughts turned restless. How does he know me? Her brow furrowed. "Wait... did someone send you?"
"Yes," he replied calmly. "My name is Jùn."
Her mood shifted instantly.
"Who sent you?! Don't play with me." Her voice was sharp."I and patience don't get along."
Tiān Jùn burst into laughter.
"I didn't know you were this arrogant!"
She stared, baffled—but something inside her softened.
He smiled again, watching her.
(She's cute when she's mad... Why is her guard down already?)
She sighed. "Why are you dressed like that? Are you an official?"
"No dress is special," he answered. "You are beautiful."
"I'm not," she blurted, looking away. "Don't hype me."
"Why would you say that?" His smile stayed soft and steady.
"I know everyone on this island. Who are you?" Her voice was quieter now.
"I'm from the capital," he said with a teasing smirk. "Why were you sitting out here alone?"
She faced the sea. "That's none of your business. I'll do my research."
The sun began its slow descent as their conversation danced through laughter and quiet reflection. When the sky turned to rose-gold, Tiān Jùn walked her home, their steps slow, unhurried.
A few weeks passed, and their friendship was now something else, but it was time for the royal family to return home.
At the temple ...
Queen Yù Yuè bowed to the High Priest.
"Thank you, Your Holiness," she said. "I'll do my best to convince His Highness."
The Immortal High Priest spoke calmly. "Don't forget — the spell book is the only way."
Later that evening, inside the temple courtyard...
"My son," Queen Yù Yuè said as she approached. "We leave tomorrow. How was your meeting with the temple chief?"
Tiān Jùn bowed. "It went well, Your Highness. I have something to attend to before we leave."
Without waiting, he dismissed himself and slipped away — no guards, no notice.
He was going to her.
Back in the temple...
Queen Yù Yuè narrowed her eyes.
"Yán Lǐng!"
Yán Lǐng appeared, bowing. "Your Highness."
"My son has changed. Why?"
He hesitated. "His Majesty... noticed a young maid."
"Take me to her. Now."
"Yes, Your Highness."
They arrived at Mò Lián's home, but she wasn't there. Her family was startled.
The Queen's voice was icy. "I want to be where my son is. Yán Lǐng... do I need to remind you of your task?"
He swallowed hard and led her to the shoreline, finding a high tree with dense leaves. From there, she climbed and waited, hidden in silence.
Below her...
Tiān Jùn and Mò Lián played like children.
When the sun kissed the sea, they sat beside each other, arms tangled, hearts beating in shared stillness.
"You're not telling me something, Jùn," she said with a pout.
"I'm leaving tomorrow," he whispered.
She pulled away.
"I'm returning to the capital."
Her silence said everything.
"Will you miss me?" he teased. "Hmm? "Why does your face look like that now?"
She stood to leave, but he caught her wrist, pulling her into his arms, pressing a kiss to her lips.
She returned it. Deeply. Passionately.
Then, tears welled in her eyes.
"So I'll be lonely again..." she murmured, her voice breaking.
"You are not," he whispered, pulling her into a fierce embrace. "I love you."
High above, Queen Yù Yuè sat frozen.
Her heart beat wildly in her chest.
"Bring me down," she told Yán Lǐng at last.
Back at the temple that night...
The queen stood alone in her chamber.
Tears streamed silently down her face.
Not out of anger or shock...
But because, for the first time, she saw her son alive. Truly alive.
She said nothing when he returned. Only smiled.
And that night, for the first time in weeks, she slept in peace.
At dawn, they departed.
No words were spoken.
But the silence was not empty; it was full of things unspoken.
When they reached the palace, the Queen retired to her chamber.
But Prince Tiān Jùn was summoned at once.
The King was waiting.
He stood before the great chamber doors, the golden light flickering at his feet.
The air was heavy.