Chapter 53
The road back to Mora was long, but the journey felt different this time. As Ping and Ling rode side by side, she realized that for the first time since she became queen, she didn't feel trapped. She didn't feel like a prisoner in her own life.
The wind carried the scent of blooming flowers, and the rhythmic sound of hooves against the dirt road was almost soothing. Ling had insisted she ride with him at first, but Ping had stubbornly refused, determined to prove that she could manage on her own.
"You're slowing down," Ling teased, glancing over at her.
"I am not," she huffed, straightening her posture.
Ling smirked but said nothing, clearly enjoying her stubbornness.
Jian and a few guards rode ahead, ensuring their path remained safe. Mei, who had traveled separately, had left ahead of them to prepare for their arrival.
As they neared the gates of Mora, Ping's heart clenched. She had only been away for a short time, yet it felt as though she was returning to an entirely different life. She glanced at Ling, who was watching the approaching palace with his usual unreadable expression.
"Are you happy to be back?" she asked.
Ling exhaled. "Home is home."
Ping nodded. Home was home—but what did that truly mean for her?
The gates opened as they approached, and servants rushed to greet them. A few maids whispered among themselves, their eyes darting between Ping and Ling. She wasn't sure what they were gossiping about, but she had a feeling it had to do with her and Ling returning together.
Mei rushed forward, bowing deeply. "My lady, Your Majesty, everything has been prepared."
Ling dismounted with ease, handing his reins to a stable boy before turning to Ping. Without warning, he reached up and lifted her off her horse effortlessly.
"Ling!" she gasped, caught off guard.
His hands lingered for a moment longer than necessary before he set her down gently. "You looked exhausted," he said simply before turning to head inside.
Ping stood there for a moment, feeling her cheeks warm.
As they entered the palace, the familiar scent of incense and polished wood filled the air. The halls felt the same, yet Ping felt different. She wasn't just the girl forced into marriage anymore. She was the queen. And she was beginning to accept that.
Ling glanced at her over his shoulder. "Come, my queen."
She met his gaze, her heart pounding just a little harder than before, and followed him inside.