Leena barely remembered the walk back to her chamber.

Her legs moved on their own.
Past lotus ponds.
Past whispering servants.

But her mind was still trapped in the dungeon's cold.

If you stay by his side… you won't survive the month.

The words clung to her like a shadow.

Maya was waiting inside with a steaming bowl of porridge.
Leena didn't touch it.

She slid to the floor, back against the wall.
Eyes empty.

"Madame…?" Maya whispered.
Her voice shook.

Leena didn't answer.
Her hands were cold.
Her chest tight.

She had crossed countries for her freedom…
Saved the Seventh Prince's life…

And yet in this golden palace, she felt smaller than ever.

Deep in the dungeon

The iron door groaned.
Li Wei's cloak trailed across the stones.

The calm prince of the court was gone.
Only silent, simmering fury remained.

The physician stirred—then froze when Li Wei's hand shot out, gripping his throat.

"You made her look at me like that," Li Wei said.
His voice was a whisper that burned.
"You broke her spirit."

The old man choked. "Y-Your Highness, I only—"

"I was there," Li Wei cut in, fingers tightening.
"I heard. Every. Word."

"…She needed to know," the physician rasped.
"She is not safe here."

"She is safe," Li Wei said, voice cold as steel,
"as long as I breathe."

The old man gave a bitter, hoarse laugh.
"Then pray your breath lasts longer than fate allows…"

Li Wei's grip tightened.
"Speak. Who threatens her?"

The physician only smiled faintly.
"…You will know soon enough."

The next morning

Every shadow seemed to whisper.
Every servant's glance felt heavy.

Leena twisted her veil between her fingers.
This place isn't safe…

Knock. Knock.

The door slid open without waiting.

"Good morning, physician Leena!"

Chen Yu's grin was pure sunlight.
He waltzed in with a basket of peaches.

"Chen Yu…?" Leena blinked.
"Why are you—"

"You," he said, leaning against the window, "look like you need a little adventure."

"…Adventure?"

"Yes. A secret trip to the market!"
He wagged a finger.
"Our dear prince's birthday is coming."

Leena squinted.
"…Is it?"

"Well, not exactly," he said with a playful wink.
"But imagine his face if you got him a surprise gift. Something that says: I risked my life in Chang'an for you."

Leena sighed, but the corner of her mouth twitched.
"You're ridiculous."

"Ridiculously charming," he said, holding out a hand.
"Come on. I promise we'll be back before anyone notices."

Chang'an Market

Colors. Scents. Noise.
A different world from the suffocating palace.

Red silk fluttered in the breeze.
Jade trinkets sparkled in the sunlight.
The warm air carried the smell of roasted chestnuts and spice.

"Here, try this!" Chen Yu held up a sugar candy shaped like a dragon.

Leena laughed, the sweetness melting on her tongue.
For a moment, she forgot the dungeon, the whispers, the fear.

Then—

Thwip!

An arrow buried itself in the wooden post just inches from her shoulder.

Leena froze, breath catching in her chest.

On the rooftops, a masked figure leapt across the tiles… and vanished into the maze of alleys.

Chen Yu grabbed her hand.
"…Run!"

They sprinted, weaving through the crowded streets.
Leena's veil fluttered behind her.

Her heart thundered from fear—
And yet, beside her, Chen Yu let out a breathless laugh.

"Well," he grinned between steps,
"I did promise you an adventure!"