Xiao Zhi had come to the garden looking for peace, but peace seemed to avoid her these days.
"Princess Lian Zhi."
She stopped. Ruhan was already there, leaning against the stone railing as if he belonged to the place.
This time, there was nothing plain about him. Instead of his usual sage robe, he wore a deep indigo one, embroidered with silver threads that shimmered with every movement. His hair was tied in a half-bun with a silver clasp, the rest of his hair flowing loosely over his shoulders like dark silk.
Damn it. How does he keep getting more handsome? Xiao Zhi cursed under her breath.
Ruhan just had to keep getting more impossible to ignore.
"Envoy Ruhan. You appear everywhere, don't you?"
"Merely walking." Ruhan's eyes lingered on her. His face showed absolutely nothing, but that tiny hint of a smile in his expression was just enough to make her uneasy.
Before Xiao Zhi could reply, a sweet, mocking voice cut in from just a few steps away.
"Well, well. What are the chances I'd find the two of you together?"
Princess Lian Yue swept into the courtyard. When her gaze slid to Ruhan, admiration sparked instantly.
"Envoy Ruhan," she greeted him, bowing just enough to keep it proper. "At the banquet, you were striking, but in daylight… even more so."
Then, with a sly glance at his lower half, she added, "Too bad, of course… you don't quite function as other men do."
Xiao Zhi's face burned. "Lian Yue!"
Her sister only tilted her head innocently. "What? I meant it's a shame. If fate had made him different, well… I wouldn't mind making him mine."
Ruhan's lips twitched. He didn't look offended. If anything, he seemed entertained.
Xiao Zhi folded her arms. "Unbelievable. Can you at least speak like a proper princess?"
"I'm just being honest. Look at him. If all Tughril men were this handsome, I'd have begged harder for the marriage contract."
Xiao Zhi shot back, "Well, maybe their Grand Prince is just as striking. Regretting not being the bride, are you?"
"At least I would have handled it with grace. Unlike you, trembling like a rabbit every time he looks your way."
"I am not trembling!" she snapped. "And may I remind you, you're the one who shoved me into this marriage!"
Ruhan's amused smile grew, eyes moving between the sisters like a man enjoying a tennis match.
"You!" Xiao Zhi snapped at Ruhan this time. "Stop smiling like that. You're enjoying this."
"I enjoy harmony." He laughed softly, as if this were all terribly charming. "It's rare to see such… affection between sisters."
"Affection?" Xiao Zhi's eyes went wide, and she nearly choked on the word. "She's trying to sell me off!"
Lian Yue let out a short, cruel laugh. "Don't worry, sister. I won't take your place as bride to the Grand Prince of Tughril. That honor belongs to you. But I do deserve something… someone."
Xiao Zhi narrowed her eyes, suspicious of what her sister was hinting at. "What do you mean? Who?"
"Your childhood friend," Lian Yue's lips curved into a smile. "General Shen Han."
"Shen Han?" Xiao Zhi felt her stomach drop. The original story flashed in her mind. Lian Yue would steal Shen Han, binding her power through marriage. And if that path locked into place, Xiao Zhi's already fragile plans would collapse.
"You… you asked Father?"
"I did," Lian Yue raised her chin, satisfaction flickering across her face. "And he agreed. The decree will be issued soon."
Oh no! If Lian Yue were tied to Shen Han, then I would have no one left to replace me as the bride.
Ruhan chuckled softly. "How wonderful. Two princesses, two fine matches. The empire is truly blessed."
Xiao Zhi clenched her fists inside her sleeves, "We'll see, sister. We'll see."
Lian Yue let out a satisfied laugh. Her job here was done. She turned to leave just as a maid arrived.
"Your Highness, Consort Ling requests your presence."
Mama? Why so suddenly?
She rose swiftly. "I'll go now."
But as she turned, Ruhan also stood up from his seat. "I'll accompany the princess," he said lightly, not even looking at her.
Annoyance was clearly written on Xiao Zhi's face. "That won't be necessary. My mother didn't summon you."
His dark eyes met hers, flashing that dangerous smile again. "Ah, but if I happen to walk the same path, would it not be rude to turn away?"
Her jaw clenched, but with servants watching, she knew she couldn't openly refuse. "…Fine. But keep your distance."
He tilted his head slightly and walked beside her.
The palace corridors couldn't feel longer. Xiao Zhi walked briskly, refusing to glance at her uninvited companion. But Ruhan moved along beside her, almost without effort.
"Princess," he broke the silence. "You and Princess Lian Yue have a fascinating bond. Sisters so close in age, yet so different."
"Fascinating is one word for it."
"I think it's enviable," Ruhan kept pace, his hands clasped behind his back as if they were merely enjoying a garden stroll. He ignored her coldness, head tilting slightly as he studied her profile. "I find the contrast between you… illuminating."
She glared at him. "Do you always play with words like that?"
"Words are arrows, Princess. I simply aim them where they matter."
She balled her hands into fists, his every word slicing at her.
And then, before she could punch the annoying envoy in her mind, a figure turned the corner.
Shen Han.
He slowed his steps when he saw them. Seeing Xiao Zhi beside Ruhan, his expression hardened.
"Princess," Shen Han greeted first, bowing slightly to her, though his sharp gaze lingered on the envoy. "Envoy Ruhan."
Ruhan's bow was shallow but impeccably polite. "General Shen. What an unexpected pleasure."
The air thickened instantly.
"I didn't expect to find you here." Shen Han shot a warning glance at him. "The envoy should be at the guest quarters, shouldn't he? Resting and enjoying the hospitality?"
"I find rest overrated. Besides, hospitality in this palace is best measured by the people, not the walls. Don't you agree?" Ruhan answered calmly with just a little subtle smile.
Shen Han's gaze even darkened. "Hospitality has boundaries. There are places guests are not meant to wander freely."
"Then I am fortunate," Ruhan turned his head towards Xiao Zhi and smiled mischievously. "to be guided by the princess herself. Who better than the host to decide where I may wander?"
Xiao Zhi's pulse raced. Every word between these two handsome men was a duel.
Shen Han took a step closer. "Some paths are dangerous, Envoy. Stray too far, and even the host cannot protect you."
The smile deepened, as if every jab Shen Han threw didn't even sting. "Danger sharpens the senses, General. I welcome it."
Xiao Zhi could hardly breathe. The tension was too much for her.
"I should not keep Consort Ling waiting," Xiao Zhi cut in quickly before this battle of wits dragged on any longer. "You two can continue your bickering. I will move on."
Shen Han's eyes softened briefly when they met hers, as if offering a silent apology.
Ruhan only chuckled. "The princess is right. After all…" His gaze lingered on her, "…some meetings are more delicate than others."
His words were too pointed to be an accident. What is he up to now?
Xiao Zhi bowed slightly to Shen Han before moving away, while Ruhan trailed behind with an obvious amusement in his eyes. Shen Han watched them disappear into the corridor, gritting his teeth until his jaw ached, forcing himself not to throw his blade at Ruhan's back.
"I'll be watching you closely, Envoy Ruhan."