Lu Hua walked down the pathway, smiling mischievously. Today, she didn't wear a mask. Instead, she blew gently through a small, odd-shaped clay tube. A shiny, perfect bubble floated free, catching the light before it silently popped. She blew another, and then another, leaving a trail of colorful bubbles behind her as she opened the door to their shared room.
Inside, Prince Zihao sat by the window, a big scroll open across his lap, lit by the setting sun. He looked up when she came in, a small, natural smile on his face. "Back already?"
"Mmhmm," Lu Hua hummed, sitting down on the edge of their big bed. She blew another bubble towards the ceiling.
Zihao watched the bubble go up and disappear. He looked curious. "Where did you find that?" he asked, pointing at the clay tube in her hand. "I've never seen anything like it. What is it?"
Lu Hua smiled proudly, holding it up. "A bubble maker! I made it." She moved until she was right next to his wheelchair. "See? You use soapy water," she pointed to a small bowl on her bedside table, "blow through here, and bubbles come out! Told you I'm clever." She gently nudged his shoulder.
He gave a soft, agreeing hum, still smiling a little. "Clever indeed." His focus returned to the scroll on his lap, his finger following a line of writing.
Lu Hua watched him for a bit, then puckered her lips and blew bubbles right at his face. The small bubbles floated around his head, catching the light by his ear, one even landing softly on his nose before it burst.
Zihao didn't move, but his eyes met hers with a gentle, patient look. "Lu Hua," he sighed, his voice soft but firm. "Maybe blow the bubbles somewhere else?"
She made a big pout, her lower lip sticking out. "But it's fun!"
He sighed again, deeper this time, putting the scroll on a small table. "Oh yeah, the Emperor's birthday celebration is in three days. We need to be there."
Lu Hua stopped blowing bubbles, her pout changing to thoughtfulness. "Okay. Big party. Got it."
"Will you..." he paused, looking a bit awkward, "...make a gift for His Majesty?"
"Of course!" Lu Hua said cheerfully. "I won't miss it. Something nice." She tapped her chin. "The Empress gave me lots of jewels. Do I need new ones for this?"
Zihao shook his head. "No need. What you have is more than enough." He followed her gaze as it went down to the large wheels of his chair. "What are you looking at?"
A slow, playful grin spread across Lu Hua's face. "That," she pointed at the wheelchair. "Looks fun."
Before Zihao could think about what she meant, Lu Hua quickly sat on his lap, her legs around his, her arms around his neck.
"Lu Hua!" Zihao gasped, his eyes going wide with shock. His hands quickly grabbed the arms of the chair, bracing himself. "Get off! This... this isn't comfortable for you!"
"Nonsense!" Lu Hua said, moving a bit to get comfortable. She looked up at him with a big grin. "Feels fine to me! Come on, I want a ride! Move it!" She started bouncing her legs gently, tapping her heels against the footrests. "Go, go, go!"
Zihao looked at her, completely surprised. She was warm against him, her arms around his neck, her face close and smiling. He could feel her laughing. He sighed, a sound he was getting used to. Giving in, he put his hands back on the big wheels. "Hold on," he said quietly, even though she was already holding on tight.
He pushed. The chair moved smoothly. Lu Hua laughed with joy as they left the bedroom and went into the quiet hallway. "Faster!" she said, holding on tighter.
Zihao pushed harder, a small smile finally appearing on his lips as he saw how happy she was. He turned them down the hallway, the wheels making a soft sound on the shiny wood. Luckily, there were no servants around their private area. Lu Hua's laughter bounced off the walls.
He guided them through a side door into the peaceful garden, stopping by the koi pond. The sun was setting, making the water look orange and pink.
Lu Hua sighed with happiness, putting her chin on his shoulder. "That was fun! Really fun!"
Zihao's smile went away. He looked at the pond, his face getting serious. "Fun for you, perhaps," he said softly, his voice flat. "Not so much when it's not a choice. When you can't just... get up and walk away."
Lu Hua's playful mood disappeared right away. She saw the sad look on Zihao's face, the familiar giving up. Her arms, still around his neck, hugged him gently. She lifted her head to look at his side. "Zihao," she said softly, no longer teasing. "I know it's not fun for you. I didn't mean..." She stopped, looking for the right words. "I just... wanted to see what you see for a bit. It's nice here."
He didn't turn to her, still looking at the water. The quiet grew, only the sound of bugs at night. Lu Hua watched him, seeing his sad face and droopy shoulders. Without thinking too much, feeling warm and kind, she leaned in and gave him a quick, soft kiss on the cheek.
Zihao stopped moving. He turned his head quickly, eyes wide with surprise, looking at her face so close. His cheek where she kissed felt hot. He looked shocked, mouth a little open, the sadness gone in the surprise.
Lu Hua laughed at his face - the wide eyes, the shock, the red blush on his neck and ears. "Your face!" she giggled, poking his cheek gently. "Like a scared rabbit!"
Before Zihao could say anything - like no, or why, or just be confused - a loud throat clearing broke the moment.
"Ahem."
Lu Hua stopped laughing right away. She turned around, still on Zihao's lap, arms around his neck. Standing not far away, leaning on a garden rock with a look of surprised amusement, was the Second Prince, Xuan Dexiu.
Lu Hua jumped off Zihao's lap like it was hot, fixing her clothes with shaking hands. She bowed low, her face serious. "Second Prince."
Dexiu's look was sharp and jealous, but he smiled at Lu Hua. It wasn't a happy smile. "Princess Lu Hua. What a nice surprise. How do you like living in the palace?"
Lu Hua looked down, staying quiet and calm.
Zihao, still red from the kiss but now looking serious, turned his chair to face his brother. His voice was cold. "Dexiu. Why are you in my private wing?"
Dexiu's smile got tighter. "Can't a brother visit? It's been too long, Zihao. We should talk." His eyes went to Lu Hua, staying there. "Alone."
★
Later, the air in the small garden pagoda was tense, not like the usual quiet they shared. Zihao and Dexiu sat across from each other with a Go board between them. The stones were all over, but they weren't really playing. Lu Hua had left them alone.
Dexiu put down a black stone without care. "So," he said, trying to sound light, "How's married life, little brother? Really?"
Zihao put a white stone down carefully. "I am well. Thank you."
A mean smile came over Dexiu's lips. "She is beautiful, isn't she? Lu Hua. So pretty. Nice to wake up to." He paused, hinting. "It's weird for me though, knowing she was mine first."
Zihao stopped moving. He looked up from the board, his eyes cold. "What do you want, Dexiu?" His voice was flat.
Dexiu's smile turned cold. He leaned back, not playing anymore. "What do I want?" He laughed, but it wasn't nice. "Isn't it clear? I want her back."
Zihao didn't move, but his jaw clenched. "She is not something to be traded."
"Of course not," Dexiu said smoothly, his eyes possessive. "She's a prize. One I let go by mistake. I want to fix that." He leaned in, his voice mean. "I will make her leave you, Zihao. She'll see the truth. Why would she stay with someone who can't walk? What can you give her? You can't even stand next to her, let alone..." He shrugged cruelly.
Anger filled Zihao, but his voice stayed calm. "And why would she pick you, Dexiu?" Zihao asked, looking right at him. "A man who only loves drinking and being with women who aren't his wife? A man who left his wife alone on their wedding night because of gossip? A man who shames his title? What do you have to offer? A life of being ignored and the smell of cheap perfume?"
Dexiu's face twisted in anger. His smug look was gone, replaced by rage. He hit the table, making the stones jump. "Shut up!" he yelled.
Zihao didn't blink. "The truth hurts, doesn't it?"
Dexiu stood up fast, his chair scraping. He looked down at Zihao, breathing hard. "Remember this, Zihao," he hissed, angry. "She will be mine. You don't deserve her. Never did." He pointed, shaking. "Enjoy your nice life now. It won't last."
Dexiu left without another word, leaving Zihao alone with the scattered stones. The quiet was heavy, filled with the echo of the threat and the bad feeling from their talk. Zihao looked at the Go board, feeling both scared and angry.
★
The palace halls felt hot today. Lu Hua walked fast, her silver mask cold on her face. Li Beihe and Hong Fuquan were with her, talking quietly.
"That Second Prince," Lu Hua said, fixing her sleeve. "He came to the garden earlier. Without warning, of course."
Beihe made a face like she smelled something bad. "Ugh! Him again? He must be jealous, seeing you with Prince Zihao! Probably mad with envy."
Fuquan waved his fan. "Oh, definitely, darling! Dexiu sees a treasure he threw away, now shining in someone else's crown. It makes him burn!"
Lu Hua sighed. They were close to a turn in the hallway.
Just as Lu Hua started to turn, a young boy ran out from a side hall. He was carrying a big pile of folded cloths, which blocked his view. He bumped right into Lu Hua.
"Oof!" Lu Hua stepped back, caught by Fuquan. Her mask fell off with a loud clatter.
The boy gasped, dropping the cloths. He froze, staring at Lu Hua's face.
"You clumsy boy!" Beihe yelled, upset. She pointed at him. "Watch where you're going! You dare bump into Her Highness?!"
The boy jumped, his face white with fear. He kneeled down, his head on the floor. "F-forgive me, Your Highness! F-forgive this stupid servant! I didn't see! I'm so sorry! Please, don't punish me!" He was shaking.
Fuquan picked up the mask, brushing it off before giving it back to Lu Hua with a kind look.
Lu Hua took the mask. She looked at the scared boy. "Beihe, stop. It was an accident." Her voice was calm. She put her mask back on. "Get up, boy. Just be more careful next time."
She didn't wait for him to keep apologizing. With a last look at the boy, Lu Hua walked on towards the Empress's rooms, Beihe still upset and Fuquan walking smoothly beside her.
The boy stayed on his knees for a long time after they left. Slowly, he got up. His face, which was pale with fear before, was now red and hot, spreading down his neck. His hands shook, not from fear, but from something strong and new. He was breathing fast.
He looked at the spot where Lu Hua had been without her mask. Where he saw her face. Not hidden, not covered. It looked like a dream, perfect. More beautiful than any picture. The Princess. His Princess.
A slow, dreamy smile grew on his lips, but it wasn't a happy smile. It was a smile of awe and wanting. He touched his cheek where her eyes had looked for a moment.
As he stood there, lost in the memory of her face, a quiet message appeared
in the air beside him, something only a special system see, not Lu Hua. It was just white text against the palace:
'Yandere Count: 1 → 2'