Hours into their journey, the group finally stopped in a quiet clearing.
The night wrapped around them like a velvet cloak, and the only light came from a crackling fire. Smoke curled lazily into the star‑scattered sky.
Leena sat cross‑legged on a blanket with Maya, rubbing her sore feet. Chen Yu plopped down beside her, grinning like a child with a secret.
"Look what I swiped from the banquet," he whispered, pulling out a small pouch.
Leena blinked. "You stole something?"
"Borrowed," he corrected with a wink, opening the pouch to reveal candied lotus seeds.
"They're sweet. Perfect for a depressing exile under the stars."
Leena couldn't help the small laugh that escaped her lips. "You're ridiculous."
"And yet charming," he said, placing a few in her palm.
Across the fire, the Seventh Prince watched the exchange in silence, the flickering flames reflected in his sharp eyes.
When Chen Yu stood to stretch, a firm voice cut through the night.
"Chen Yu. Walk with me."
Chen Yu froze. "Eh? Now?"
"Yes. Now."
They stepped away from the campfire until the voices faded, and only the chirping of night insects remained.
The prince turned, his tone cold and precise.
"What do you know about that man?" He nodded toward Bao Wen, who was leaning against a tree, arms crossed, gaze never far from Leena.
Chen Yu raised a brow. "You mean Merchant Bao's son? Not much. Stoic type. Built like a wall. Why?"
Li Wei's jaw clenched. "Doesn't it strike you as… strange?"
Chen Yu tilted his head. "Strange how?"
The prince's eyes narrowed, suspicion barely concealed.
"It's just strange," he said, voice tightening. "Merchant Bao is close to her father, right? Hosting Leena. But he's also close to the Imperial Mother — gifts from distant lands, favors… And his son, Bao Wen? Suddenly acting like Leena's shadow, like some sort of pet or protector."
"Don't tell me you're jealous?" Chen Yu teased, grinning.
Li Wei blinked, momentarily caught off guard, then shook his head.
Chen Yu laughed nervously, then jabbed the prince's side.
"Well, why don't you show this much jealousy between me and Leena? Honestly, we have way more chemistry than you think."
Li Wei stumbled a step back, nearly losing his balance.
"Funny. You never glare at me like that, and I'm the one who actually flirts with her."
Li Wei's expression darkened. "Watch your mouth."
"Calm down," Chen Yu said, lifting his hands in surrender, though his grin didn't fade. "You know, if you keep staring like that, she's going to notice. Then what? You'll finally admit you like her?"
Li Wei didn't respond. He didn't have to. His eyes said everything.
Chen Yu smirked, eyes dancing. "Can't you see—"
But he fell silent.
Li Wei followed his gaze.
Across the fire, Bao Wen had taken off his cape and draped it over Leena's shoulders. She smiled faintly, touched by the gesture.
Li Wei's fists tightened at his sides.
They were too close.