Chapter 54
The grand halls of the palace were unusually quiet, yet whispers spread like wildfire. The news had reached every corner of Mora—King Ling was to marry Lady Ziyue, daughter of Lord Xingchen. The arrangement was strategic, a union meant to strengthen alliances and solidify Mora's political standing.
But Ling didn't care about politics.
He sat in his chamber, his hands clenched into fists. The weight of duty pressed heavily on his chest. His advisors had spent hours explaining why this marriage was necessary—Lord Xingchen was a man of power, with influence stretching far beyond Mora's borders. His daughter was said to be intelligent, graceful, and highly sought after.
Yet none of that mattered.
Not when his heart already belonged to Ping.
He didn't know how to tell her. How could he explain that despite loving her, despite wanting only her, he was being forced into a marriage he didn't want?
But he never got the chance to speak first.
Ping found out before he could tell her.
She stormed into his chamber, her face unreadable, though her eyes burned with unshed tears. Ling stood immediately, reaching for her, but she took a step back.
"So it's true," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Ping—"
She shook her head. "Don't. I don't want to hear excuses."
"It's not what you think."
"Oh? Then what is it?" Her voice trembled now. "Tell me, Ling. Are you going to stand there and tell me this marriage isn't happening?"
He swallowed hard. He couldn't lie to her. "I—"
Her breath hitched, and she let out a bitter laugh. "That's what I thought."
Ling stepped forward, but she turned away. "Ping, please listen to me. I don't want this marriage."
"But you have no choice," she finished for him, her voice breaking.
Silence filled the space between them.
"I don't want to listen anymore," she whispered before walking away.
Ling watched helplessly as she left.
Ping didn't stop walking until she reached her chamber. The moment the door shut behind her, she collapsed onto the floor, burying her face in her hands. The tears she had been holding back spilled freely.
She cried all night, believing she had lost him forever.