Chapter 44
The days following the victory were filled with peace, but tension still lingered in Ping's heart. She noticed Ling often disappeared for long periods, returning only after nightfall. Though he reassured her that he was merely overseeing Mora's defenses, she couldn't help but wonder if he was avoiding her.
Meanwhile, Xia had grown even more comfortable in the palace. She trained with Ling in the mornings and dined with him in the evenings, always laughing and teasing him as if they shared some secret bond. Ping tried to ignore it, but every stolen glance, every playful touch, made her chest tighten.
One afternoon, Ping found herself wandering the palace gardens alone. The cherry blossoms were in full bloom, their petals drifting lazily in the wind. She reached out, catching one in her palm, when a familiar voice interrupted her thoughts.
"You seem troubled, my lady."
Ping turned to see Jian standing nearby. The commander's usual stoic expression was softer, his dark eyes observing her carefully.
"I'm fine," she said, forcing a smile.
Jian raised an eyebrow. "You're a terrible liar."
Ping sighed, looking away. "It's nothing important."
Jian stepped closer, his tone gentle yet firm. "Is it about the king?"
Ping stiffened but didn't respond.
Jian sighed. "His Majesty has always been difficult to understand. But if there's one thing I know, it's that he is not a man who lets go of what's his."
Ping glanced at him, surprised.
Jian smirked slightly. "You are his wife, his queen. If something is troubling you, you should tell him."
Ping swallowed, gripping the fabric of her dress. "What if… he doesn't care?"
Jian let out a short laugh. "Then you don't know your husband at all."
Before Ping could respond, a voice called from the distance.
"Ping."
She turned to see Ling approaching, his silver-white hair glistening under the sun. His expression was unreadable, but there was something intense in his gaze.
Jian bowed slightly. "I'll take my leave." He gave Ping one last knowing glance before walking away.
Ling stopped in front of her, crossing his arms. "You've been avoiding me."
Ping blinked. "I—"
"Don't deny it." His golden eyes studied her carefully. "What's wrong?"
Ping hesitated before finally blurting out, "Why do you spend so much time with Xia?"
Ling's brows furrowed. "Is that what's bothering you?"
Ping clenched her fists. "She's always around you. You train together, eat together… and you never even—" She stopped herself, feeling embarrassed.
Ling stepped closer, tilting her chin up with his fingers. "And? What do you think that means?"
Ping's breath hitched. "I don't know," she admitted softly.
Ling's smirk returned. "Are you jealous, my queen?"
Ping turned her head away, but Ling didn't let go. Instead, he leaned in, his voice dropping to a whisper.
"There is no one else, Ping. Only you."
Her heart pounded. She wanted to believe him. She wanted to trust him.
Ling pressed a soft kiss against her forehead. "Next time, just tell me what's on your mind."
Ping looked up at him, her eyes searching his.