Water splashed cold around his legs.
The moon shimmered on the lake's surface.
And in his arms… Leena.
Her wet silk clung to his chest, her small hands trembling as they gripped his robe.
Every heartbeat thudded like a drum in his ears.
Focus…
She's just a woman. She's—
Her scent hit him.
Jasmine. Sweet. Dangerous.
He turned his head, trying not to look.
But she moved closer.
Her fingers brushed his jaw.
"Look at me," she whispered.
His breath caught.
The lake rippled around them, moonlight sliding over her damp veil.
So close…
One more inch and he could taste her lips.
He leaned in.
"Your Highness!"
Li Wei jolted awake, breath sharp.
His hand flew to his chest.
The lake, the warmth, the scent—gone.
Just his room.
Just the cold morning light.
His guard knelt at the doorway, oblivious to the storm in his head.
"We've found the physician's apprentice."
Li Wei pushed to his feet, still dazed.
The memory of soft hands on his face refused to fade.
Why did I dream of her?
Why do I… want more?
He straightened his robe, forcing the heat from his mind.
"Bring him to the interrogation hall," he said, his voice colder than he felt.
But even as he walked toward duty, her phantom touch lingered on his skin—
…
And he hated how much he wanted it back.