Chapter 28
The sound of galloping hooves echoed through the palace gates, followed by the clanking of armor as the soldiers returned. The maids and guards rushed to welcome the warriors, their cheers filling the air. But none of it reached Ping's ears—her mind was clouded, her heart pounding erratically.
She had been sitting in her chamber, trying to read, trying to distract herself. But the moment she heard the commotion outside, her body moved before she could think. She hurried down the grand staircase, her breath hitching as she reached the courtyard.
There he was.
Ling stood tall despite the exhaustion in his eyes. His armor was stained with blood, his long white hair slightly disheveled, but his presence was overwhelming. The same overwhelming force that always commanded a room, that made it impossible for her to ignore him.
Her vision blurred. Before she realized what she was doing, she ran toward him.
The moment her body collided with his, a sharp gasp escaped the onlookers. The fearless queen, the woman who had spent weeks avoiding him, had thrown herself into his arms. But Ping didn't care.
She gripped his cloak tightly, breathing in the scent of steel and fire. She didn't even care about the dirt and dried blood on him. He was here. He had returned.
Ling froze, his entire body stiffening. He had prepared himself for a cold reception, perhaps a sarcastic remark, but this… This was unexpected.
His arms slowly lifted, hesitant, before finally wrapping around her. His grip was strong, grounding.
"You're back," she whispered against his chest, her voice barely audible.
"I told you I would return," he murmured, his lips dangerously close to her ear.
Ping suddenly realized what she was doing. Her body tensed. Slowly, she pulled away, avoiding his intense gaze. Her cheeks burned as she took a step back.
"I-I was just checking if you were injured," she stammered.
Ling smirked, clearly amused. "Oh? That's all?"
She turned sharply, her heart hammering. "You should rest! Mei, prepare his chambers!" she ordered, her voice a little too loud.
Ling chuckled, watching as she practically fled back inside.
Yes. He was home.
And for the first time, he was certain—she had missed him.