The dining hall was smaller than Soyeon expected, intimate, almost. Silk lanterns cast warm golden light over a low table set with enough dishes to feed twenty people. Prince Zhao Yifeng sat at the head, already pouring wine into delicate jade cups.
"Su Yan!" He gestured enthusiastically. "Come, sit. Don't be shy."
Soyeon knelt across from him, trying to remember proper etiquette. Don't make eye contact. Don't speak unless spoken to. Don't accidentally insult the future Emperor.
"Your Highness," she said, keeping her eyes on the table.
"Please, we're alone. You can look at me." His voice was warm, teasing. "I promise I don't bite."
She glanced up. He was smiling at her, completely relaxed, like they were old friends. It was disarming.
Everything he does is political, Prince Liang Jian's voice echoed in her mind.
"Here." Prince Zhao Yifeng pushed a cup toward her. "Rice wine. It'll help you relax."
"I shouldn't—"
"I insist." Still smiling, but firmer now.
Soyeon took the cup and sipped. The wine was sweet, stronger than she expected. It burned pleasantly down her throat.
"Good girl," he said, and something about the praise made her face heat. "Now. Tell me about yourself. Where are you really from?"
"The far west, Your Highness, as I said—"
"Su Yan." He leaned forward, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "I've traveled extensively. I know every province, every territory. Your accent doesn't match anywhere in the Empire. Your mannerisms are strange. And—" he gestured at her face "—your features are unlike anyone I've ever seen. So I'll ask again. Where are you really from?"
Damn it. Her mind raced. "A place.…very far away. Beyond the western mountains."
"Mm. A mysterious answer." He didn't seem angry, just intrigued. "And your medical knowledge? Where did you study?"
"My.….my master taught me. A traveling physician."
"This master, does he know you're here?"
"He's dead, Your Highness." The lie came easily.
Prince Zhao Yifeng's expression softened. "I'm sorry. That must have been difficult."
"I've managed."
"Clearly." He studied her over his wine cup. "You saved my brother's life. That alone makes you valuable. But I find myself curious about you for other reasons."
What? No no.
"Your Highness—"
"You refused me earlier. In front of the entire court." He wasn't smiling anymore, but he didn't look angry either. He just looked interested. "Do you know how rare that is? Most women would consider it an honor to join my household."
"I meant no disrespect—"
"I know you didn't. That's what makes it fascinating." He poured himself more wine. "Tell me, Su Yan. Why don't you want to be part of my harem? And don't say you're unworthy. We both know that's not the real reason."
Soyeon's fingers tightened on her cup. How did she answer this without insulting him?
"I..." She chose her words carefully. "I'm a physician, Your Highness. My life is dedicated to healing. The life of a.….a concubine.…it's not the path I've chosen."
"You could still practice medicine in the palace."
"With respect, Your Highness, I don't think I could. Not the way I need to."
He tilted his head. "Independent. I like that." He drained his cup. "Very well. I won't force the issue. For now." His smile returned, playful. "But I reserve the right to try and change your mind."
"Your Highness—"
"Eat." He gestured at the untouched dishes. "You must be starving. And I want to hear more about these unusual medical techniques of yours."
They ate. Or rather, Prince Zhao Yifeng asked questions and Soyeon tried desperately to answer without revealing she was from the future. She talked about herbal medicine, about treating wounds, about the importance of cleanliness (he found her insistence on "washing hands" hilarious).
He was charming. Funny. Surprisingly knowledgeable about military strategy and governance. And he listened when she spoke, like her opinions actually mattered.
It would be so easy to like him.
But she kept remembering Prince Liang Jian's warning. Everything he does is political.
"You're thinking too hard," Prince Zhao Yifeng said suddenly. "I can see it on your face."
"Sorry, Your Highness."
"Don't apologize. I find it refreshing." He stood, offering his hand. "Come. Walk with me."
She let him lead her out to a covered corridor overlooking a garden. The night air was cool, fragrant with night-blooming jasmine. The moon hung full and bright overhead.
"Beautiful, isn't it?" he said softly. "Sometimes I forget to look."
"It is, Your Highness."
"My brother doesn't trust you."
The sudden change in topic made her freeze.
Prince Zhao Yifeng's expression was thoughtful, his eyes on the garden. "Liang Jian doesn't trust anyone. But especially not strangers who appear mysteriously and save his life." He glanced at her. "Can I trust you, Su Yan?"
"I've done nothing to harm anyone, Your Highness."
"That's not an answer."
"It's the only one I can give."
He studied her for a long moment. Then, surprisingly, he smiled. "Honest. I appreciate that." He turned back to the garden. "My brother and I.….we're not close. Different mothers, different upbringings. The court expects us to hate each other. Sometimes I think they're disappointed that we don't."
Soyeon didn't know what to say to that.
"He's a better man than people think," Prince Zhao Yifeng continued quietly. "Colder, yes. More suspicious. But loyal. Honorable. If he's given you his protection, he'll keep his word."
"Why are you telling me this, Your Highness?"
"Because you'll be spending time with him soon. Father Emperor is planning something, I can tell. And I want you to know..." He turned to face her fully. "Whatever happens, I meant what I said earlier. You intrigue me, Su Yan. I would very much like to know you better."
His hand moved to tuck a strand of hair behind her ear. The gesture was gentle, intimate.
Butterflies pooled in Soyeon's belly.
"Your Highness," she whispered. "I don't think—"
"I know." He smiled sadly. "You've made your feelings clear. But a man can hope, can't he?" He stepped back. "It's late. You should rest. Tomorrow will be interesting."
That sounded ominous.
"Yes, Your Highness."
He bowed, which felt wrong, and left.
Soyeon stood alone in the corridor, her heart racing, her mind spinning.
What had she just gotten herself into?