The palace of Auroria was wrapped in a soft golden glow that night. Lanterns swayed gently in the breeze, the fragrance of white lilies filling the air. The grand wedding had ended, laughter still echoing faintly through the halls — but for Xiaoxi and Haoran, the world had grown quiet.
Their chambers were beautifully decorated — petals scattered across the floor, candles flickering like stars. Xiaoxi stood by the balcony, her wedding veil still hanging loosely, her cheeks glowing faintly in the moonlight.
Haoran entered silently, watching her. His once stern face was now softened by the tenderness in his eyes.
Haoran (smiling): "You know, you've caused chaos since the moment you entered this palace."
Xiaoxi (turning, teasingly): "Oh? Are you saying the palace was boring before I came?"
Haoran (stepping closer): "Boring, peaceful — safe. Then you arrived… and turned everything upside down."
Xiaoxi giggled, taking a step back as he came closer. "And yet… here you are. Stuck with me forever, Frog Prince."
Haoran (pretending to sigh): "It's not 'stuck.' It's… fate. A very noisy fate."
She laughed softly — that same laugh that once annoyed him, now the sound he couldn't live without. He reached out, brushing a strand of hair from her face, his touch gentle and careful.
Haoran (quietly): "You've driven me mad from the first day I met you."
Xiaoxi looked up, her playful eyes softening. "Then let me drive you mad forever."
He chuckled, shaking his head, but before he could reply, Xiaoxi stood on her toes and pressed a soft kiss to his cheek. "That's for being patient with me," she whispered.
Haoran froze, a small smirk curving his lips. "Only my cheek?"
She blushed furiously. "Y-you greedy prince!"
He stepped closer again, his voice lower now. "Greedy for you."
Their laughter faded as silence filled the room — only the gentle crackle of candlelight remained. He cupped her face, eyes meeting hers, and this time, it wasn't teasing or mischief — it was love, pure and deep.
Haoran: "From the girl who barged into my world to the woman who became my heart… I wouldn't change a single thing."
Tears shimmered in Xiaoxi's eyes as she smiled softly. "And from the prince I once called arrogant… to the man I'll love for the rest of my life."
He kissed her — slow, tender, and full of everything words couldn't say.
When they finally broke apart, Xiaoxi leaned her head against his chest, listening to his heartbeat. The same sound that once scared her now felt like home.
Haoran wrapped his arms around her, whispering, "Sleep, little pufferfish. You've caused enough trouble for one lifetime."
She chuckled sleepily, mumbling, "No promises, Frog Prince."
As the moonlight spilled over them, they lay down together, fingers intertwined, hearts finally at peace.
That night, the palace of Auroria didn't sleep — but for Haoran and Xiaoxi, the world outside didn't matter. Under the soft glow of a thousand stars, love had finally found its forever.