Yú Yué sneaked past the palace guards and made her way to the Ninth Palace. It was the only way to reach Prince Cheng. As soon as she stepped inside, she heard Yize speaking in a low, tense voice. Holding her breath, she pressed herself against the door and listened.
"We searched through the night, but… there's no trace."
There was a brief silence, then Cheng's sharp voice rang out. "were you all sleeping through the search? Do you not realize the severity of this?"
Yize fell to his knees, his forehead touching the ground. "Forgive me, Your Highness. I... we've failed you."
"I swear we'll keep searching until we find her. We won't stop until she is found."
Hiding in her spot, Yú Yué flinched. She had planned to ask about Mei, but after seeing this, she thought it was better to leave. Just as she turned to go, Cheng's voice cut through the room, aimed at her.
"Do you plan to keep staring from the doorway, or will you come in?"
She sucked in a quick, shaky breath and swallowed hard, her heart pounding.
Her body moved before her mind caught up, stepping into the room and falling to her knees. She kept her head down, barely breathing. When she dared to lift her gaze, Cheng was staring at her, his expression was hard to read, and his presence overwhelming.
"I'm sorry, Your Highness," she blurted. "I had no permission to enter, but—" She stammered in a trembling voice. "There has been no news of Mei… I had to know."
Cheng watched her for a moment that felt like forever, his expression didn't soften. Then, turning away, he said, "We are still searching. When we find her, you will know."
And just like that, he walked into the adjoining chamber.
Yizong stepped closer. "Do not worry about Mei. No matter what has happened… she is strong. She will hold on long enough for us to reach her." he said quietly.
Yú Yué nodded quickly, whispering a rushed thanks before fleeing. The halls of the Ninth Palace felt colder than when she had entered.
...,....
Mei's Pov
I twisted against the ropes, my wrists burning from the friction, when the door creaked open. Li Ming stepped inside with a tray of food in one hand and candles in the other.
He moved in a slow, eerie way, setting the candles in each corner of the room before walking toward me.
The faint light reflected off the cold amusement in his eyes. He placed the tray next to me and smiled, making my skin crawl.
"Eat. You must be starving."
I clenched my jaw and looked away, refusing to give him even a glance because silence was my only weapon.
The smile disappeared, and his fingers tightened around my chin, firm but not painful. I pulled away, but he let out a low chuckle. Then, with a sharp move, he forced my face back toward him. His fingers pressed into my skin, and I stared back at him without flinching.
"Do not make this harder than it needs to be, Mei." His voice was calm, but the threat was clear.
He grabbed my jaw tightly, forcing it open as he lifted the chopsticks. I twisted, trying to escape, but his grip was too strong. He shoved rice noodles into my mouth and covered my lips with his hand. The taste made me gag, but I refused to swallow. With all my strength, I jerked my head away and spat it in his face.
Li Ming stopped, "You think that was smart?" he hissed, his voice was cold and filled with anger. His fingers brushed over the mess as he wiped his face and clothes slowly, shaking his head like he couldn't believe it.
I swallowed hard, trying to fight back the nausea, bracing for the inevitable retaliation, every muscle coiled in anticipation. My lip was split, and I could taste blood. What he did next sent a chill down my spine.
His hands moved to his robe, and the first layer slid off his shoulders. I froze, trying to stay as still as possible. I could guess what would come next and felt the urge to try to reason with him, but I refused. I had seen men like him before; arrogant, cruel, and eager to control. He did not just want to hurt me; he wanted me to give in. I might not be in the best situation, but I would not feed his ego.
"You really are pathetic," I muttered, my voice rough. "Crying for attention."
He lunged forward and grabbed my chin, making me look up at him. His nails dug into my skin. "You are going to regret that," he whispered.
I already did. But not for the reasons he thought.
He stepped closer, and I backed away. He followed and grabbed my arm before I could move any further. Reacting in fear, I lashed out with my leg, aiming for his ribs, but he caught my leg mid-strike, holding it tight.
"I will make sure you never try that again," he said in a dangerously calm voice.
He grabbed my neck, and I struggled against the restraints, but it was no use. When he pressed his lips against my collarbone, I felt disgusted. Without thinking, I sank my teeth hard into his ear.
He let out a loud, painful scream and struck me hard in the stomach. My body jerked forward involuntarily, a choked cry escaped my lips.
The impact had knocked the wind out of me, and I gasped for air, trying to breathe lightly, but the pain refused to subside.
Li Ming staggered back, clutching his ear. His face darkened with anger as he shot me a furious glare.
He pulled his hand away from his ear and stared at the blood on his fingers. His breathing grew ragged. I barely saw him as everything spun around me, my vision fading in and out of focus.
His scream of rage was the last thing I heard before his fist struck my face. A sharp pain shot through my skull, and the world went dark.