At the base of the mountain, Long Fei had tied his majestic stallion to a nearby tree. Its sleek black coat shimmered in the fading sunlight as it happily grazed on the grass. The air was filled with the scent of pine, and the distant rumble of the waterfall they'd just left behind seemed to echo through the valley. Shui Yi gently patted the stallion's head, and it nuzzled her neck, surprising the prince.
He extended a hand toward her, offering to help her mount the horse. He had been cautious around her, mindful of the unspoken distance a man and woman should maintain.
She looked at him with a bemused expression and hesitantly nodded. He held her by her waist and lifted her onto the horse. Instead of mounting, he began walking beside the stallion, guiding it forward.
"Long Fei, just get on. We don't have time," she urged, shifting forward and tapping the saddle.
He scratched his brow, a pang of awkwardness flickering. He usually rode alone.
"Of course," he murmured, swinging himself onto the horse behind her. A long silence settled as he adjusted, unsure where to place his hands. He considered holding the reins, but Shui Yi already had them firmly in her grip. Hesitant to place his hands on her waist, he settled on resting them on his knees.
"Hold on!" she warned.
She spurred the horse into a gallop. The stallion surged forward, tearing down the narrow mountain path. His arms wrapped around her waist, steadying himself as he pressed her closer. The wind howled past them, and the trees blurred into streaks of green and gold.
"Shui Yi," he exclaimed, shocked yet impressed.
She glanced back at him, her lips curving into a playful grin. "I told you to hold on." The horse tore down the narrow path. His hands, now firmly holding her waist, felt the warmth of her body through her clothes.
It was unlike any ride he had ever experienced. She controlled the horse with such skill, it was as if she were one with the creature. His stallion usually didn't let anyone ride him. The speed and power she summoned felt as though she were guiding the stallion by sheer force of will. The mountain winds whipped past his hair, her silver strands caressing his face.
As they sped down the winding path, the dense trees slowly gave way to the open roads. As they neared a fork in the road, she slowed the horse and turned toward him. Without a word, she held out the reins. Their fingers brushed as he took them. He felt a spark ignite from the lingering touch.
Long Fei immediately recognized the road ahead. He guided the horse onto the path toward his kingdom. She leaned back against him, resting her head gently against the nape of his neck as he urged his horse forward. He could feel her warmth and the subtle rhythm of her breath as they rode. Her presence, so close to him, made his heart beat faster.
For a brief, fleeting moment, he forgot about the urgency of their mission. It was as though the world around them had quieted, leaving only the sound of their synchronized breathing, the rhythmic pounding of hooves, and the wind blowing softly in the wake of their shared silence. Her hand slowly reached back, cupping his cheek. Her tender touch took his breath away as he leaned in. He closed his eyes, savoring the moment. The sweet scent of wisteria clung to her, intoxicating him.
He didn't have the luxury of choosing whom to love. His eyes snapped open, and he shook his head, clearing his throat. She quickly withdrew her hand and straightened up, gathering her silver hair as she braided it. He let out a breath, steeling his heart.
As they emerged from the winding forest path, the kingdom's outskirts came into view. The city walls loomed ahead, and he straightened his posture, reality settling back in. He slowed the horse to a walking pace. Just before dismounting, he glanced at Shui Yi.
"Please stay mounted," he said quietly. "You're an esteemed guest here. I can't allow you to walk through the city."
She nodded and remained poised in the saddle. He stepped off and took the reins, leading the stallion forward as they approached the soldiers guarding the gate.
As they drew nearer, a soldier stepped forward, eyes widening at the unexpected sight. Long Fei, the kingdom's revered Crown Prince, was with a young woman. Her silver hair flowed behind her like moonlight, and her captivating beauty exceeded even the Empress's.
The soldier halted, startled. His hand hovered at his side, unsure whether to salute or remain still and feign ignorance. Without slowing, the Crown Prince nodded curtly. "Open the gates," he commanded.
The soldier immediately complied, ushering the gates open with haste. As they entered the city, murmurs rippled through the streets. Townspeople turned from their evening routines, eyes widening at the spectacle. The Crown Prince, always composed, always distant, strolled through the heart of the city with an unknown woman on his stallion.
Whispers spread like wildfire. Speculation grew with every glance exchanged, every step taken. Yet the people still bowed as he passed. Children ran up to him, and as he patted their heads, they stood awestruck.
One boy tripped in front of him. Long Fei stopped his stallion and gently helped the boy to his feet. The boy cried, holding his cheek where he had hurt himself.
Shui Yi had already dismounted. She crouched beside the boy and subtly blew on his cheek. The boy smiled at her, his face now clean and unbruised.
Crowds began to gather, but guards quickly arrived, motioning the people back to give the Crown Prince and his guest some space.
Those were imperial guards — his father must have sent them, which meant he wanted to see him urgently.
"Shui Yi, please get back on the horse," Long Fei said.
To his surprise, as though she knew helping her might cause rumors, she hopped back onto the royal stallion and sat gracefully, like a true princess.
This time, he briskly guided them through the crowd toward the palace. His mind was fixed on reaching his mother. There was no more time for distractions.