Li Wei's POV
Li Wei swallowed hard, his Adam's apple bobbing in a sharp, audible motion.
Leena stood there—her damp hair unbound, the thin inner robe clinging to her frame, a silk shawl slipping down her arms. Her skin glowed faintly where the robe was damp, and the delicate line of her collarbone shimmered like starlight.
He wanted—no, ached—to touch her… To trace that fragile line of warmth, to see if her skin felt as soft as it looked.
And yet…
He tore his gaze away, dragging it skyward, every muscle taut with restraint. Heat coiled deep inside him, sharper and hotter than any fever he had ever endured.
Control yourself.
"You… you forgot your clothes." His voice cracked slightly, rougher than usual.
Leena's head jerked toward him. Her throat, still tender from injury, managed only a broken, high-pitched sound—a gasp of pure horror.
What an idiot! she scolded herself, face flaming.
She bolted, sprinting back into the bath chamber, nearly tripping over the wooden step in her panic. Her eyes darted wildly until—thank the heavens—her clothes were still there, folded neatly on the floor, waiting.
Why did I come out without them?!
Behind her, silence. Except for the pounding of a heart—not hers, but his.
Li Wei pressed a hand against his chest, feeling the wild hammering beneath his palm. It was unbearable. Even as he closed his eyes and inhaled deeply, the image of her burned into his mind, searing and relentless.
If… if I gave in for even a moment… His fists clenched until the knuckles whitened. What would happen?
When Leena emerged again, fully dressed this time, her steps were careful, measured, as though afraid the floor itself might betray her.
She couldn't look at him.
He couldn't look at her either.
Without a word, they walked back toward the chamber, the silence between them heavy and fragile—like glass stretched too thin.
Finally, it was Li Wei who spoke, his tone low and controlled:
"After dinner, I'll stay outside—by the door. You need rest."
Leena froze mid-step.
Outside? The thought pierced her like a blade. He's still injured. If he stays out in the cold all night, his wounds will worsen. He needs strength to recover… so we can make it back to camp.
She turned abruptly, grabbing parchment and brush. Her wrist moved swiftly:
Stay here.
Li Wei stared at the words. His brows drew together in confusion. Why would she… Does she not see me as a man?
"I can't," he said quietly, gaze flicking away. "It's not appropriate."
He turned to leave, but her small hand darted out, clutching his sleeve with surprising firmness. She thrust the paper up toward his face, her eyes blazing with silent authority.
For a moment, they stood locked in a silent battle of wills. Then Li Wei exhaled sharply, defeat softening his edges.
"…Very well," he murmured. "But first—let's eat. You need strength."
His gaze lingered on her—longer than necessary. "Maybe… we both do."
Dinner arrived shortly after, carried in by attendants who bowed deeply before retreating. The aroma filled the room—steamed fish glazed in sweet sauce, golden dumplings gleaming with sesame oil, rice still steaming from the pot.
Leena's eyes widened instinctively, hunger sparking in her gaze despite her attempts at restraint. The prince caught it—and something flickered across his face.
"Let's dig in," he said, voice smoother than silk.
She nodded quickly and began to eat—but the first swallow scraped like fire against her throat. She coughed sharply, chest jerking forward.
Li Wei was on his feet in an instant, pouring water into a porcelain cup with swift precision. He held it near her lips, his hand steady—his presence… dangerously close.
Too close.
Leena froze, startled by the sudden nearness. She coughed again—only this time, straight at him.
A tiny grain of rice clung to his cheek.
Both of them stilled.
Her cheeks burned crimson as mortification struck. She reached up instinctively, fingertips trembling as they neared his face.
But before they could touch, Li Wei caught her wrist—firm, yet gentle.
Their eyes collided.
The world seemed to narrow to that single point of contact—her delicate hand in his, his calloused fingers curled around her soft skin. Her pulse thundered beneath his touch. His breath ghosted over her cheek, warm and intoxicating.
"I'll take care of it," he murmured, voice husky.
Slowly—reluctantly—he let go. He wiped the rice away himself, his jaw tight.
Leena, flustered, snatched the cup still in his other hand and drank quickly, almost desperately, as if the water could cool the heat crawling up her neck.
But it didn't.
Because when she lowered the cup, Li Wei was still watching her. His gaze lingered, dark and unreadable—but softer than she had ever seen before.
The warmth between them hummed louder than the steam rising from the untouched dishes.
Leena's throat tightened. She dropped her gaze to her plate, forcing her trembling fingers to hold steady.
Li Wei noticed. Of course he did. His lips curved—just faintly—into something like amusement, though his eyes… his eyes held something far deeper.
"Eat slowly," he said, barely above a whisper. Almost as if speaking to himself. Then, even softer: "You've been through enough today."
Leena nodded without lifting her gaze. Words felt impossible. The day's weight pressed against her bones—the terror, the chase, the brush with death—yet here, with him, she felt… safe.
Too safe.
Her heart raced, loud enough that she wondered if he could hear it. His hand hovered near hers on the table, not touching, but close enough for warmth to spill across the small space between them.
She swallowed hard.
Outside, the night wind stirred, rustling through the trees beyond the shutters. The sky was ink-black, the moon veiled in clouds.
𖦹❀ To be continued… 🍣 (๑ᵔ⤙ᵔ๑ 🥢)