Chapter 23
Morning sunlight streamed into the grand dining hall, casting a golden glow over the long table where Ling and Ping sat in silence, eating their breakfast. The air between them was calm but distant—until the heavy doors swung open.
A guard stepped in, his posture firm, followed by a woman whose presence demanded attention. She moved with the grace of royalty, her long curly hair cascading down her back, her flawless skin glowing under the morning light. Her fitted robes accentuated her hourglass figure, and every step she took radiated confidence.
Ping swallowed hard.
This woman was breathtaking.
"This is Xia, Princess of Wu," the guard announced.
Ling's eyes softened the moment he saw her.
"Someone is as handsome as always," Xia teased, a playful smirk dancing on her lips as she strode toward them, sitting beside Ling with practiced ease.
Ling gave a small smile, the kind Ping had never seen before. "How was your trip?"
"Hm? Long, but tolerable," Xia responded, stretching her arms slightly before leaning in. "But enough about that—how's my favorite warrior doing?"
Ping watched as they spoke effortlessly, their chemistry undeniable.
"This is my wife, Ping," Ling finally said, gesturing toward her.
Xia turned her sharp, captivating eyes on Ping, extending a hand. "Ah, the queen. It's nice to finally meet you."
Ping hesitated before shaking Xia's hand. Something about this woman unsettled her. She was beautiful, confident, and—worst of all—comfortable around Ling.
"I hope you enjoy your stay," Ping said politely, though her voice lacked warmth.
Ling stood, adjusting his robe. "Rest well, Xia. We'll meet in the garden later to discuss battle strategy."
And with that, he left the dining room—leaving Ping alone with Xia.
The moment Ling was gone, Xia smiled knowingly, her gaze piercing. "You don't have to worry, my queen. Ling and I have known each other since childhood."
Ping forced a smile. "Why would I be worried?"
Xia chuckled, but said nothing.
---
Later, Ping found herself standing by the window of her chamber, watching Ling and Xia in the garden.
The way they moved together, the way Ling held her wrist as they trained with swords—it was too easy. Too natural.
Xia laughed, and Ling smirked.
Something twisted in Ping's chest.
She hated this feeling.
Jealousy.
It made no sense. Ling was just training with an old friend. And yet, seeing them together felt like watching something she had no place in.
Ping turned away, clenching her hands into fists.
---
Two days passed.
Every time Ling requested to see her, Mei returned with the same response: The queen does not wish to see you.
By the third day, Ling had enough.
He stormed into her room, catching her off guard.
Ping sat up from her chair near the window, startled. "Why are you here? Shouldn't you be with Xia, discussing battle strategies?"
Ling shut the door behind him, his dark eyes unreadable. "Why have you been avoiding me?"
Ping crossed her arms, looking away. "I didn't think you'd notice, since you've been so busy with Xia."
Ling raised a brow. "Is my lady jealous?"
Ping's breath hitched. "W-What?"
A smirk tugged at the corner of Ling's lips. "You are jealous."
Her face burned.
"No!" she snapped, quickly covering her cheeks with her hands.
Ling chuckled, stepping closer. "You're blushing."
"I am not!"
"You are."
Ping turned away, frustrated with herself.
Ling sighed, reaching out and gently tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. His touch was light, almost careful.
"Xia is a friend," he said, his voice softer now. "She always has been. You are my wife, Ping. No one else."
Ping hesitated, searching his eyes for deception, but found none.
She swallowed, feeling foolish for letting jealousy get the best of her.
Ling pulled back, his expression turning serious. "I leave tomorrow for war. Xia and I will lead the charge against the King of Ryuu."
Ping's stomach dropped.
He was leaving.
And she had wasted days sulking instead of being with him.
"Come back safe," she whispered.
Ling gave a small nod, before exiting the room—leaving Ping alone with her thoughts.