Chapter 31
The palace halls were unusually quiet as Ping walked back to her chamber, her thoughts tangled in confusion. Why did Ling's words affect her so much? Why did her heart race whenever he was near?
She shook her head, trying to push the thoughts away. It's just because he returned safely, nothing more.
But even as she told herself that, she knew it was a lie.
The next morning, Mei entered with a bright smile. "My lady, the king is requesting your presence."
Ping's heart skipped a beat, but she quickly masked her emotions. "Why?"
Mei giggled. "I don't know, but he's waiting in the garden."
Ping took her time dressing, trying to calm the nerves she refused to acknowledge. She had faced this man countless times, so why did today feel different?
When she arrived, Ling was standing beneath the cherry blossom tree, dressed in his usual dark robes. The wind carried a few petals, making the moment feel almost surreal.
"You called for me?" she asked, keeping her voice steady.
Ling turned to her, a small smirk playing on his lips. "I did."
Silence stretched between them before he finally spoke. "Walk with me."
Ping hesitated but followed as they strolled through the garden. The tension was thick, yet neither of them acknowledged it.
"You avoided me last night," Ling finally said.
Ping's steps faltered. "I didn't."
Ling chuckled. "Liar."
She frowned, crossing her arms. "What do you want, Ling?"
He stopped walking and turned to face her, his expression unreadable. "I want to understand you, Ping."
She looked away. "There's nothing to understand."
Ling stepped closer, tilting his head. "Then why do you look at me like that?"
Her breath hitched. "Like what?"
"Like you're trying to convince yourself of something."
Ping's heart pounded. She opened her mouth to deny it, but the words wouldn't come.
Ling sighed, stepping back. "I won't force you to admit anything. But one day, you'll have to face the truth."
Without another word, he walked away, leaving Ping standing there, her emotions in turmoil.
Because deep down, she already knew the truth—she was falling for him.