Princess Yuyan woke up after another haunting dream of the mysterious boy. This time, he was sitting quietly on a rock beside a gently flowing stream, his back to her. He clutched his familiar flute, the one he always played in her dreams, but this time, there was no melody. His hands were chained, bound tightly, and his head hung low in sorrow. Panic surged through her. She rushed forward and began pulling at the chains desperately, trying to free him.
In the waking world, Yuyan twisted violently in bed, her hands gripping the blanket like it was the chain from her dream. Sweat soaked her forehead, and she mumbled incoherently as she fought to free him. Just then, someone tapped her shoulder gently. She jolted awake, breath coming in heavy bursts. Her eyes darted across the unfamiliar room.
The sun streamed through the window, lighting the elegant chamber. Reality returned—she was in Xiyue, not Lianhua.
"Your Highness, are you alright?" the maid asked, her voice laced with concern.
Yuyan turned sharply to the girl. "What are you doing here?"
"Forgive me, Your Highness. I knocked many times, but you did not answer. I was ordered to prepare you for the morning training. I am Yu Shen," the maid replied.
Yuyan took a deep breath, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "I am fine."
Yu Shen quickly prepared a warm bath and helped Yuyan dress in a pink and white training robe, soft yet practical for sparring. And during this period Yuyan couldn't stop thinking about the prince in her dream. Why was he sad?. Why was he chained?. Her mind wasn't at rest and she couldn't stop thinking. After sipping the warm tea offered by the maid, Yuyan left her chamber and headed to the training grounds.
The courtyard was easy to find; she had seen it during her tour with Lianyi the day before. As she arrived, she noticed Lianyi and Leng Yue already sparring fiercely. Guards and onlookers stood around, their eyes fixed on the two princes. Yuyan paused a short distance away, smiling at the friendly battle. She had to act as normal as possible or else Leng Yue or Lianyi himself would notice that something was going on in her mind. She took a deep breath and stared at the two prince sparing with interest.
Lianyi moved with fluid grace, but Leng Yue matched him blow for blow, his youth not hindering his skill.
"You're really good, Leng Yue," Lianyi said with a grin, sheathing his sword.
"I get that a lot," Leng Yue said smugly, and Lianyi rolled his eyes.
Yuyan walked up, the guards bowing respectfully. She gave them a polite nod.
"Isn't it too early to praise yourself? I haven't challenged you yet," she said, stepping forward. She spotted a sword lying nearby, flipped it into the air with her foot, and caught it mid-air.
The guards gasped and cheered. Leng Yue raised a brow.
"Seriously? What do you call that move?"
"A skillful one," Yuyan replied, her tone playful.
"Please. I can think of ten better ways to look flashy."
He picked up his sword, and Lianyi stepped aside, watching the fun unfold.
"Leng Yue, you just turned fourteen and already act like you've seen it all. I'll teach you to drop those proud shoulders," Yuyan said as she launched the first strike.
They clashed, swords ringing through the air, drawing cries of excitement from the crowd. It was an even match for a while, but eventually, Yuyan grew tired. She dropped to the floor, panting.
"I'm impressed. You've improved," Leng Yue said, offering a hand and helping her up. Lianyi clapped enthusiastically, the guards joined him praising Yuyan.
Just then, Mimi arrived in her training robe, running up to Yuyan with a bright smile.
"Yuyan!" she squealed, hugging her. "It's so nice to see you here."
Yuyan hugged her back. "Good morning, Mimi."
"Good morning," Lianyi greeted.
Mimi paused before responding, her eyes lingering on him. Then, spotting a bow and arrow nearby, she picked them up. She positioned the arrow awkwardly and let it fly—but it barely made it halfway.
Leng Yue burst into laughter. "You're hopeless at archery!"
Mimi scowled. "I can learn, you know. And if I do, I might beat you."
"I can teach you," Lianyi offered casually.
Mimi froze, her cheeks reddening. She opened her mouth to object, but Lianyi had already moved behind her, guiding her arms into position.
"Don't force it. The bow is not your enemy — it's your breath made solid," he whispered, gently adjusting her elbow.
His breath tickled her ear as he continued, "Eyes on the target, but let your heart stay still. Breathe in… like the wind before a storm. Breathe out… and let the arrow fly before your thoughts can chase it."
He released the arrow. It flew straight and true, landing perfectly on the target.
"That was incredible!" Yuyan clapped.
Mimi remained in Lianyi's arms, feeling the warmth of his body, the closeness making her stomach flutter. Then Lianyi whispered again, his lips brushing her ear.
"Do you want to try another shot with me?"
She didn't respond—she couldn't. Her heart thudded wildly.
Just then, Yue Rong stormed into the training yard. Her eyes immediately locked on Lianyi and Mimi. Her chest tightened. That touch, that closeness—it was supposed to be hers.
"This wench," she muttered under her breath. "How dare she?"
Fueled by envy, she dashed toward them.
"Your Highness!" she called out, pushing Mimi aside and crashing into Lianyi's chest.
Lianyi caught her out of reflex, startled. "Yue Rong? Are you alright?"
"Ah! My foot... it hurts," she replied, clutching her ankle with exaggerated pain.
Mimi sat on the ground, her knee bruised and stinging. She looked up at Lianyi, but he was still focused on Yue Rong.
Tears pricked Mimi's eyes. She quickly lowered her gaze.
Yuyan saw the scene and immediately understood. Her eyes met Leng Yue's who understood everything too, and without a word, she walked over and bumped Yue Rong forcefully, knocking her to the ground.
"Oops," Yuyan said coldly before rushing to Mimi's side.
She helped Mimi up, but Mimi stumbled, wincing. That's when Lianyi finally noticed.
"Mimi!" he cried, rushing to her. He crouched down, taking her hand. "Are you alright?"
Mimi pulled her hand away gently. "I'm fine."
But Lianyi saw the tears she tried to hide. Without hesitation, he scooped her up into his arms.
Gasps echoed through the training yard.
"She's hurt. I'll take her to get treated," he said firmly, ignoring Yue Rong.
Mimi blushed fiercely, her face buried in his chest. Yuyan shot Yue Rong a triumphant smirk.
Furious, Yue Rong clenched her fists. As Lianyi walked away with Mimi in his arms, Yuyan giggled and joined Leng Yue for more training.
Left behind, Yue Rong trembled with rage. "You'll pay for this, Yuyan," she whispered and stormed away.