Chapter 42
The palace gates opened wide as the victorious army marched in. The banners of Mora fluttered proudly, and the people cheered for their brave warriors. At the front of the procession rode Jian, his armor gleaming under the midday sun, his expression calm but triumphant. Beside him, on a striking white horse, was Xia, her long hair flowing behind her.
Ping stood on the palace steps alongside Ling, waiting for their arrival. She felt a sense of relief knowing the war had finally ended, but as her eyes landed on Xia, she couldn't ignore the unease creeping up inside her. Xia looked radiant, her usual confidence present in the way she carried herself.
Jian dismounted first and bowed deeply to Ling. "Your Majesty, the war is over. We have secured victory."
Ling nodded in approval. "You've done well, Jian. You have all done well."
Xia hopped down from her horse and stretched. "That was exhausting," she said with a grin, looking directly at Ling. "You should've come. It would've been more fun with you there."
Ling smirked. "I had more important matters to tend to."
Ping's lips pressed into a thin line as Xia turned her gaze towards her. "Queen Ping," Xia greeted smoothly. "I trust you've been well?"
Ping forced a polite smile. "Yes. I hope your journey back was not too tiring."
Xia laughed lightly. "Oh, not at all. Having Jian around made things easy. He's quite the warrior."
Jian, ever the composed soldier, simply nodded. "The queen must be relieved that peace has returned."
"I am," Ping admitted, though her eyes flickered back to Xia, who was now standing rather close to Ling. The sight of them together, speaking so casually, made her stomach twist. She hated this feeling—this unwelcome jealousy.
Ling must have noticed, for he turned slightly toward Ping and reached for her hand. The unexpected touch sent warmth through her, and she looked up at him in surprise. His grip was firm yet reassuring, as if silently telling her that she had nothing to worry about.
Xia raised an eyebrow but said nothing. Instead, she stretched again and sighed. "Well, I suppose I should freshen up before we discuss matters further." She then gave a playful wink. "Unless, of course, the king would rather keep me company."
Ping's grip on Ling's hand tightened slightly before she could stop herself. Ling chuckled and shook his head. "Go rest, Xia. We'll speak later."
As Xia walked away with a smirk, Ping exhaled slowly, realizing only then how tense she had been.
Ling leaned in slightly, amusement dancing in his golden eyes. "Are you jealous again, my queen?"
Ping's face grew hot, and she quickly looked away. "Of course not," she muttered, though her reddened cheeks betrayed her words.
Ling only chuckled, bringing her hand to his lips for a brief kiss. "Good," he murmured, "because you're the only woman I see."
Her heart pounded at his words, but she said nothing. Maybe… just maybe… she was starting to believe him.