The moon hung low over Ocean City, casting its silver glow across the waves and elegant rooftops.
In the heart of the Royal Palace, deep behind guarded gates and blooming wisteria trees, the famed Lan Garden shimmered like a scene from a fairy tale.
Lan Yinyin stood in front of the garden entrance wearing a flowing sky-blue dress with silver embroidery shaped like waves.
Her long blue hair was braided with tiny pearls. A handmaid fanned her while another held a mirror.
"Alright… I look perfect. Elegant. Mysterious. Untouchable," she said, giving herself a final look.
"Now I just need to act normal. Like I'm not inviting a rogue bastard I hate-but-maybe-like to my private sacred space."
The fan-maid coughed. "Princess, that's not normal at all."
"Shut it."
Hei Long's Arrival
"Your Highness, the guest is here."
Lan Yinyin turned around, clearing her throat.
Hei Long strolled in like he owned the place—hands behind his head, not even dressed up. Just casually handsome.
