The royal hall was still echoing with laughter and chaos from the double wedding disaster earlier. Everyone had eventually left, still chuckling and whispering. But two people — Lianhua and Xiangyun — hadn't recovered from the embarrassment.
They walked down the quiet corridor of the palace, faces red, steps awkward, hearts beating a little too fast.
Lianhua (muttering): "Those two… frog prince and his little puffer fish. I'll make them pay for this embarrassment!"
Xiangyun (dryly): "You're planning to take revenge? Get in line. I'm already first."
Lianhua: "You? You looked ready to faint when they said 'wedding!'"
Xiangyun (grumbling): "Because it came out of nowhere! One moment we're talking about their marriage, the next—my own name's being dragged into it!"
They both stopped walking at the same time and looked at each other — then immediately looked away again.
Lianhua: "Still… everyone kept saying we look good together…"
Xiangyun: "They also said you fell into my arms like destiny."
Lianhua (groaning): "Can we not talk about that again?"
Xiangyun (grinning): "Why not? It was… a memorable moment."
Lianhua's cheeks turned pink, and she quickly crossed her arms.
They continued walking until they reached the palace garden, glowing softly under the moonlight. The night air was cool and quiet — too quiet.
Xiangyun stopped by the lotus pond, looking at his reflection.
His usual princely confidence seemed gentler now, thoughtful.
Xiangyun (softly): "You know… I didn't expect any of this. Coming here, meeting you. You're… different from the people I've known back in Baiyun."
Lianhua (teasing): "Different how? Clumsier?"
Xiangyun (smiling faintly): "Maybe. But also kinder. Stronger. Honest."
He turned toward her, eyes softer than moonlight. "When I first saw you, I thought you were just another curious girl chasing after my sister. But somehow… I couldn't stop thinking about you."
Lianhua froze, her heart skipping. "W-what are you saying…"
He stepped closer. "I'm saying that maybe… just maybe… our siblings weren't entirely wrong."
Lianhua's breath hitched. "You mean—?"
Before she could finish, Xiangyun took her hand. "Yes. I think… I've fallen for you, Princess Lianhua of Auroria."
Her face turned crimson, eyes wide. "You can't just say that so calmly! My heart—!"
He chuckled, gently brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "Then maybe it's fair, because mine's been beating wildly since that flower cart incident."
She laughed nervously, trying to hide her smile.
He smiled softly. "So, should we tell them tomorrow that we're officially together?"
Her jaw dropped. "Tomorrow?! You just confessed a minute ago!"
He shrugged, grinning. "I'm fast when I know what I want."
Lianhua tried to glare but ended up smiling shyly. "Fine… but if anyone teases me, I'll blame you."
Xiangyun: "Deal."
Just then, from behind a tree, came a familiar whisper—
Xiaoxi (excitedly): "Froooog Prince! They're holding hands!"
Haoran (facepalming): "Not again, Xiaoxi…"
Both Lianhua and Xiangyun whipped around, catching the spying pair red-handed.
Lianhua: "You two!!"
Xiangyun: "Didn't we teach you anything about privacy?!"
But as the night filled with laughter and chaos once again, one thing became clear —
Love was no longer a secret in the palace of Auroria. 💞