The first rays of dawn tinted the sky, dyeing Streamer Street in the heart of the capital with golden-pink light. Avril and Lucian stood facing each other on Skybridge, with merchants and guards passing behind them. The warmth from yesterday's "spring night vow" still lingered, yet this morning demanded they address new hidden surges with a fresh decree."Your Highness," Lucian murmured, handing over a secret dispatch, "The 'Crimson Iron Rebels' have reappeared at the southern iron mines. They aim to seize the mineral veins, threatening the kingdom's supplies. The local volunteer coalition is overwhelmed and begging for reinforcements."Avril's eyes blazed: "The Crimson Iron Rebels exploit miners' suffering to incite riots. I'll go to the mines personally to issue the 'Streaming Light Appeasement Edict'—first ease their hunger, then share mining profits through a new tax law."Lucian bowed: "Fire Riders and Silver Oath shadow guards will accompany you. I swear to protect your safety."
Streaming Light Appeasement
By noon, at the northern end of Streamer Street, Avril climbed onto a simple platform and addressed ironworkers and miners: "We'll first redeem your back wages and replace your moldy rations with grain and pay. We'll also establish a 'Mining Profit Sharing Edict'—every chisel strike and shovel load will equal your toil!"Miners and volunteers wept, then erupted in cheers. Lucian watched from below as the queen defused danger with kindness, pride swelling in his chest.
Hidden Surges Resume
Night fell over the mine camp. Lucian investigated remaining rebels in the barracks when a report came: "Rebels disguised as miners secretly set fire to the outer coal warehouse, trying to cripple our supplies."He rushed to the blaze, seeing masked arsonists flee into the mine depths. Lucian charged through the cave, his silver sword blazing, severing fire fuses and rescuing trapped volunteer quartermasters. In the flames, he grabbed the arsonist leader, roaring: "Daring to use fire to endanger people—your crimes deserve eternal damnation!"
Streaming Light Night Feast
Back at the imperial garden, Avril and Lucian stood side by side in the Spring Pavilion. The spring reflected the moon, cherry shadows swaying. He poured her a cup of flowing lantern flower wine: "Your Highness, forget state affairs tonight. Drink this warmth with me."She took the cup, smiling against its rim: "You saved people with fire; I'll soothe you with my heart's flame. Tonight, we live for this warmth."
A Secret Rendezvous in Night Rain
Inside the Spring Pavilion, candlelight mingled with the spring's murmur. Lucian removed her cloak, gently untying her silver-threaded robe to reveal smooth shoulders. Avril wrapped her arms around his neck, fingers undoing his tunic's hidden clasps to touch his warm chest.Fire and tenderness tangled in the night rain. His kisses trailed from neck to collarbone, fingertips wandering down her waist; her moans rose like spring water, legs coiling around his hips, craving deeper intimacy.Silk and skin intertwined, candlelight flickering as they drowned in passion, forgetting lingering surges. Only their heartbeats and breaths remained—this moment, their strongest defense for the kingdom.