Chapter 48
The palace felt different now. The air was lighter, and the tension that once lingered between Ling and Ping had vanished. Everyone could see it—the way the king's gaze softened whenever he looked at his queen, the way Ping's presence seemed to calm him.
After Ping's confession, Ling rarely left her side. He made sure she ate, rested, and had everything she needed. It was a new feeling for Ping, having someone care for her so deeply.
That evening, Ling took her to the royal garden. It was quiet, with only the sound of rustling leaves and the distant hum of the palace. The night sky stretched endlessly above them, stars shining like scattered diamonds.
Ling reached for her hand, intertwining his fingers with hers.
"I never thought I'd hear you say those words," he admitted, his voice deep and steady.
Ping smiled. "I never thought I would say them either."
He raised an eyebrow. "Should I be offended?"
She chuckled. "No… but you scared me at first, Ling. You were cold, distant… I didn't understand you."
Ling nodded, his expression thoughtful. "I didn't understand myself either."
Ping looked at him. "And now?"
He turned to her, his golden eyes glowing under the moonlight. "Now, I know that you are my greatest treasure."
Ping felt her heart flutter.
They walked slowly, enjoying the quiet. Ling led her to a stone bench under a large cherry blossom tree. The petals drifted down gently, landing in Ping's hair. Ling reached out, tucking a stray strand behind her ear.
"I want to give you the world, Ping," he murmured.
Ping placed her hand over his. "I don't need the world. I just need you."
For the first time in a long time, Ling felt truly at peace. He leaned in, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead.
No battles, no politics, no schemes—just the two of them, together under the night sky.