Leena turned—and broke into a laugh.
"Chen Yu?"
The scholar was grinning from ear to ear, his arms full of shimmering fabric. A rich turquoise sari spilled over his shoulder, embroidered with golden threads that caught the sun.
"I heard you're going to the banquet," he said, his voice teasing yet proud. "So… I turned the city upside down to find this for you."
Leena's eyes widened. "Is this… for me?"
"Of course!" he said, puffing out his chest. "A foreign flower like you deserves to shine. Imagine the court's faces when you walk in wearing this—they won't know what hit them."
Leena laughed, the heaviness in her chest lifting for the first time in days. She ran her fingers over the delicate silk, heart warm with gratitude.
"I love it… It's perfect."
Chen Yu's grin softened. "Then it was worth it."
He clapped his hands together. "Well, I should let you rest. The banquet is tomorrow night. I'll pick you up when the sun starts to set, and we'll make our grand entrance together!"
Leena nodded, still smiling as he waved and disappeared down the street.
POV – Chen Yu
The streets were quieter than usual, lanterns swaying in the breeze. He whistled to himself, pleased with the reaction he'd gotten.
But halfway to his own estate, a shadow detached itself from the alleyway.
"Chen Yu."
He froze.
The Seventh Prince stepped into the light, black robes rippling in the wind. His expression was unreadable, but his eyes burned.
"…Did you give her the dress?"
Chen Yu blinked. "…As you requested."
"Did she like it? Did she like the color?" Li Wei's voice was low, controlled—but the tension in his jaw betrayed him. "Should I have chosen something less… flashy?"
Chen Yu threw his hands up. "Why don't you ask her yourself? What am I, your carrier pigeon?"
The prince's brows drew together in a sharp frown.
Chen Yu hesitated, then exhaled and muttered, "No, seriously. Why are you hiding? You know I fancy her, right?"
Li Wei's eyes narrowed, the question hitting him like a blow he hadn't expected.
"And I know you like her too," Chen Yu pressed, his usual grin dimming with a rare hint of sincerity. "So why? Why are you helping me? Do you think I don't stand a chance against you? Is this… a game to you?"
The prince's silence was heavier than any answer.
Before either could speak further, the pounding of hooves broke the tension.
A palace messenger leapt from his horse, bowing low.
"Your Highness! A message from the Imperial Mother."