Chapter 27
The nights felt colder without Ling in the palace. Though Mora was safe for now, an uneasy silence loomed over the kingdom. Ping found herself wandering through the halls late at night, unable to sleep. Mei noticed her restlessness but said nothing, only offering warm tea to ease her troubled mind.
One evening, as Ping sat in the garden staring at the moon, she overheard a group of guards whispering near the entrance.
"Have you heard? The battle grows fiercer each day."
"They say the King of Ryuu has sent reinforcements… the war may last longer than expected."
Ping's chest tightened. Ling had promised to return soon, but now it seemed uncertain. The thought of him being out there, possibly injured or worse, made her stomach churn.
She clenched her fists. No. He will come back. He has to.
Just then, Mei approached. "My lady, there is a letter."
Ping turned sharply. "A letter? From who?"
Mei hesitated before handing her a sealed parchment. The royal insignia of Mora was stamped in red wax. Ping's fingers trembled as she broke the seal and unfolded the message.
**"To my queen,
The battle rages on, but I am unharmed. Mora remains strong, and so do I. Be patient, my return will come. Until then, take care of yourself.
Ling."**
A deep breath escaped her lips, but her heart still ached. Unharmed... but for how long?
She traced his name with her fingers, wishing he were here.
That night, for the first time in weeks, Ping finally fell asleep with his letter pressed against her chest.