The early morning sun spilled through Mò Lián's thin curtains, casting a warm, golden light that traced the delicate curve of her face. She stirred, lashes fluttering open, and there he was.
Tiān Jùn lay beside her, breathing steadily, his striking features softened in sleep.
A smile tugged at her lips. But almost instantly, the memory of last night's chaos returned in a rush. Her chest tightened, thoughts tumbling over one another... until her gaze caught on his lips. And then, nothing else existed.
I don't know who you are...
Her mind whispered.
But from the moment I first saw you, something has kept pulling us together. Even if you were a demon... I would still hold on to this bond. You make me happy in a way that nothing else can. Thank you for stepping into my life.
Her lips never spoke the words, but her heart breathed them like a prayer.
Jùn, still lost in dreams of her, reached for her in his sleep. And when his eyes finally opened, there she was, watching him. A faint smile curved his lips.
Before he could speak, she leaned forward, wrapping her arms around him, pressing his head against her chest as though she could protect him from the world.
Meanwhile, elsewhere in the house, Lord Chen rose late, reluctant to leave his bed. The thought of lingering was tempting... until his sister's furious voice shattered the stillness.
"What is the problem now?" he muttered, rubbing his temples.
She stormed into his room like a summer typhoon.
"Who on earth killed my dog?!" she barked.
Lord Chen blinked. "Your dog? What—"
"That's not all! That thief ransacked my house. Come!" She seized his arm and dragged him outside.
The scene awaiting them was chaos; her small farm stood empty. Every animal in her poultry... gone.
Lord Chen opened his mouth, but her furious voice cut across his thoughts.
"I will kill you, you filthy thief!"
He stifled a laugh, caught between pity and a desire to retreat before her wrath swallowed him whole.
Passing through the gate, Yán Lǐng caught her voice and frowned. He knew this place. Without hesitation, he stepped inside. He was trailing the prince's scent.
He found Lord Chen and his sister moving in opposite directions, tension sparking between them. But before he could speak, another shout ripped through the air.
Inside, Mò Lián had heard the commotion. Her eyes widened. She glanced at Jùn, who still gazed at her with a faint smile.
"Hurry," she whispered, "you don't want to be here for this. Trust me."
Jùn chuckled until another bellow shook the walls. Their eyes met. No more words were needed. He rose and dressed quickly.
Then came the dreaded call:
"Mò Lián...!"
Lord Chen's voice carried a warning... and a plea.
Footsteps grew louder.
Jùn crossed to the window and slipped out just as Yán Lǐng approached. Their eyes locked in a silent exchange before they disappeared.
Mò Lián remained at the window, peeking through the curtain. Then, her door swung open.
Her aunt stood there, anger simmering. But the moment their eyes met, her fury ebbed. Bathed in morning light, Mò Lián looked like a celestial maiden.
Her aunt inhaled deeply.
"Get ready. We're going to the Sì Tiān Temple."
Without another word, she turned and left, and the door was wide open.
Prince Tiān Jùn and Yán Lǐng returned to the capital. By the time they reached the palace, night had fallen, and the air thrummed with festivity. But the prince went straight to his quarters.
When he went to bathe, the water in his pool was icy. He summoned the chief maid.
"My lord," the chief maid said with a cheerful bow, "I'm sorry to disturb you, but we reshuffled the maids."
"Why?" Tiān Jùn asked, a rare, playful smile touching his lips.
The woman hesitated, surprised; the prince rarely smiled.
"My lord, you'll make my heart flutter... Her Majesty has brought in a new set of maids."
Tiān Jùn's gaze lingered a moment before he nodded.
"Bring them in. I need a hot bath... and a few assists. Hurry."
The chief maid returned moments later, with a group of young maids trailing her.
The prince, already weary, sat on his bed, eyes fixed on the tall pole near the bath.
"My lord," the chief maid said again, stepping closer with a grin.
Tiān Jùn gestured for the women to approach. That's when he saw it — a familiar face among them.
"Greetings, Your Highness," they chorused, kneeling.
"My lord, few of them are new," the chief maid offered quickly.
"If you like, I can filter them for you."
One maid dared to lift her chin.
Tiān Jùn's mouth curved into a slow smirk.
"You. Come." He rose, moving toward the pool.
The chief maid turned back to the others.
"If you've been called, follow him."
No one moved.
The air thickened with tension. The chief maid's smile faltered. Then, a few of the women pushed forward a new maid, the one who had raised her chin. She stumbled, landing face down.
"My lord, I saw her lift her head," one maid said sweetly, her tone dripping false innocence.
The chief maid's shoulders sank. He bowed low in apology.
Tiān Jùn turned to study the girl. She dared to glance up and froze, breathless at the sight of him.
Just then, Yán Lǐng entered, bowing slightly.
"My lord, you summoned me," he said, scanning the tense room.
Tiān Jùn nodded, selecting five maids with a pointed gesture.
"You, you, you, you... and you. Join me. Yán Lǐng, dismiss the rest."
As the chosen ones followed the prince toward the bath, Yán Lǐng's eyes lingered on the familiar-faced maid. She tried to slip out, but his hand stopped her.
"Wait."
The room emptied, leaving only the two of them.
Yán Lǐng's voice hardened. "Why are you here?"
The young maid's hands fidgeted. "My lord... I'm new. I didn't know the rules."
"Look at me when you speak."
She flinched.
Commoners were forbidden to meet a royal's eyes.
"My lord... I can't. I'm too... fragile." She inched back, afraid of punishment, her eyes fixed on the floor.
Yán Lǐng stepped closer, intrigued. She kept retreating until her back hit the pole. Shock widened her eyes, and she bounced away, straight into his gaze.
He stared at her, amused. She looked trapped between confusion and panic, her breath coming in shallow gasps.
She tried to dart sideways, but her foot caught on her skirt and she fell.
Yán Lǐng crouched before her.
"Yán Lǐng...!" A distant voice called, one only he seemed to hear.
He straightened and moved toward the pool.
The maid remained seated, tears glimmering in her eyes. She quickly rose and slipped from the room.
By the pool, Yán Lǐng inclined his head. "My lord."
The maids finished their service, bowing before leaving.
The two men exchanged small smiles.
"Take good care of her," Tiān Jùn said quietly.