Chapter 52
The morning sun filtered through the wooden shutters of their inn room, casting soft golden light across the room. Ping stirred awake, feeling the warmth beside her. It took her a moment to remember where she was—far from the palace, away from duties and expectations.
She turned slightly, finding Ling still asleep, his silver hair falling over his face. He looked so different like this—calm, at peace. Not the feared Shadow King, not the warrior draped in armor, but simply a man. Her husband.
A smile tugged at her lips. She reached out hesitantly, brushing a lock of hair from his face. The moment her fingers grazed his skin, his eyes fluttered open.
"You're awake," he murmured, his voice thick with sleep.
"You are too," she whispered.
He smirked lazily, pulling her closer. "You were staring at me."
Ping flushed, trying to pull away, but he held her in place.
"I was not!" she protested.
Ling chuckled. "Liar."
She huffed but couldn't hide the small smile on her lips.
They eventually rose and set out into the town, blending into the crowd like ordinary travelers. Ling bought fresh fruit from a street vendor, handing a piece to Ping as they strolled through the market. She bit into it, savoring the sweetness.
"This place is so lively," she said, watching children run past them, their laughter filling the air.
Ling nodded. "It reminds me of how things used to be… before the wars."
Ping glanced at him. "Do you ever wish you weren't king?"
He was silent for a moment before answering. "Sometimes. But then I remember that being king is what allows me to protect the people I care about."
She studied his face, the weight of responsibility clear in his eyes. Without thinking, she slipped her hand into his.
"You're not alone in this, Ling," she said softly.
His grip tightened around hers, his gaze meeting hers with something deep, something unspoken.
"I know," he said.
And for the rest of the day, they walked hand in hand, enjoying the peace while it lasted.