** PLANNED **
She froze, confusion flickering across her face. "How do you mean, my lady?"
"Listen to me," I whispered, my voice barely audible. The soldiers were too close to risk anything louder. I reached for her hands, gripping them tightly. "You'll dress as me. Wear the veil. Enter the carriage and go to the palace in my place. No one will know."
"Pretend to be the Princess of Lian… and marry the emperor?" she repeated, not sure if she heard me just right. When I nodded, too quickly, a sudden beam appearing on my face her expression shifted, shock replacing her doubt.
"What?!" She yanked her hands from mine, her entire body trembling. "No, absolutely not, my lady. I can't—what if I'm caught? What will happen to me?" Her voice trembled terrifically.
Her fear was clear in her eyes, but I couldn't afford to waver. This was my only chance.The only way I could change my terrible fate.
"You won't get caught," I insisted softly. "He doesn't know my face. He'll believe you. All you have to do is act like a princess, act like me."
"A-and the shaman…?" Xiu Mei stuttered, her voice barely steady. "What if she finds out? What happens when I can't give him a son?"
"I'll come back for you," I said firmly, squeezing her hands again. "I swear it won't be long."
She stared at me for what felt like forever, her gaze searching mine. Then she exhaled slowly, her shoulders sagging under the weight of her decision.
"If it means protecting you, my lady… then I will do it."
My chest tightened emotionally. I pulled her into my arms, holding her close. "I will never forget this," I murmured.
She gave a small, sad smile, shaking her head as tears welled in both our eyes.
Later that night, I slipped out of my chambers, moving through the quiet courtyard like a ghost. The soldiers stationed at my door were half-asleep. No one noticed the Princess of Lian sneaking into the back garden.
I stopped beneath the old plum tree, my heart pounding as I waited. Standing there with the fear of not being caught, silently praying Xiu Mei had delivered my message.
And then, a shadow detached itself from the darkness behind me.
"Ruyue?" a deep familiar voice called softly.
My breath caught in my throat.
Wu Jinhai stepped into the faint moonlight, and even the darkness could not hide him. His sharp features were etched in silver light, his long dark hair catching the glow as it fell over his shoulders. There was something about him—something that had always drawn me in, long before I dared to name it.
A smile touched my lips before I could stop it.
It had always been him.
"I received your message," he said, his brows knitting slightly as his gaze searched my face. "What's wrong?"
I pressed a sealed note into his palm, my fingers lingering against his.
"Jinhai… I won't be in that carriage tomorrow."
His eyes widened. "What? Ruyue! What are—"
"Don't ask," I cut in quickly. "It's safer if you don't know. But I need you to meet me tomorrow. At dusk. Beyond the western cliff, at the old hunter's shack. Come alone."
"Ruyue—"
"Promise me." I tightened my hold on his hand, forcing him to look at me.
For a moment, he studied my face, something in his expression shifting from confusion to dread.
Finally, he nodded. "I'll come," he said quietly. "No matter what."
Relief washed through me, though it did little to steady my racing heart.
Before I could say another word, he stepped closer. His hand lifted to my jaw, and then he leaned in, his lips pressed on mine.
It was sudden but not unwelcome. Soft at first, hesitant, as though he feared I might pull away. But when I didn't, when I leaned into him instead—something changed. His grip on me tightened, and the kiss deepened, filled with everything we had never dared to say aloud.
My heart raced wildly, my fingers clutching the front of his robe as I felt the solid warmth of his chest beneath my touch.
I had dreamed of this… of him… more times than I could count. Wu Jinhai was my childhood closest friend and now... my secret lover. I'd dream of becoming his wife someday but it's almost impossible since Jinhai's just the son of an ordinary soldier. But now that I'd plans of running away, my dream of getting married to him will definitely come through.
When we finally pulled apart, my breath came unsteady. Jinhai rested his forehead briefly against mine before drawing me into his arms. I melted against him, my face pressed to his chest, listening to the strong, steady rhythm of his heartbeat. His arms wrapped around me protectively, as though he could shield me from everything waiting beyond this night.
Slowly, reluctantly, we separated.
His hand rose again, gently cupping my face, his thumb brushing lightly against my cheek, his gaze locked onto mine.
"Be careful, Ruyue," he whispered.
I glanced up at him. "That's why I will never let him touch me."
With that, I turned and slipped away, disappearing back into the shadows before anyone could see me.
Xiu Mei was already asleep when I returned. She lay beside my folded robes, as though clinging to the fate that would soon become hers.
I stood there for a long moment, watching her.
Guilt clawed at me… but it wasn't enough to stop me.