The first rays of dawn slipped through the carved lattice windows, casting delicate golden patterns across the chamber. Tie Hongchen stirred, attempting to rise, but Tai Jian's arm remained firmly around her waist, his chest pressed to her back, refusing to let her leave the warmth of his embrace.
"My princess," he murmured with a smile, his voice low yet coaxing, "today we must visit grandmother. No matter what she says, no matter how unbearable her remarks may be… don't let anger take hold. Just bear with it for my sake."
Tie Hongchen tilted her head slightly, catching the faint curve of his lips. "I understand," she replied softly, though her eyes still held a faint wariness. "Now… will you let me go?"
Tai Jian shook his head without hesitation, his hold tightening. "Grandmother can wait. For now, I'd rather keep you here."
She frowned faintly, though a trace of warmth touched her gaze. "If we keep her waiting, she'll be even angrier. I've heard she already disapproves of you—it is better not to provoke her further."
At that, Tai Jian exhaled a reluctant sigh and finally loosened his hold. Yet, even as he rose, he cast her a mischievous glance. "Very well. But remember this—I'll need someone to care for me from tonight onward."
Tie Hongchen caught his meaning immediately. Her cheeks heated, but she answered with deliberate coolness. "Then ask one of the palace maids. I'm sure they'll be eager to serve you."
Instead of retorting, Tai Jian stood by the wardrobe and gestured. "What shall I wear today?"
Her lips curved wryly. "As if you've forgotten—you burned all but your black robes. Only your golden armor remains, and if it were up to you, you would have thrown that into the fire as well."
The memory surfaced—after returning from the battlefield, he had consigned his old life to flames. Black was the only color he allowed to remain, as though each robe carried the weight of mourning and resolve.
With quiet hands, Tie Hongchen chose one and dressed him personally. She fastened the robe, smoothed the folds, and then carefully combed his dark hair. The golden hairpin slid into place, catching the morning light, securing his locks neatly above his shoulders.
Standing before her now, Tai Jian looked less the hardened warrior and more a refined scholar. His years in blood-soaked battlefields had honed his physique into firm lines and strength, yet cultivation of yang mana had refined his bearing. The once fiery youth was now a man whose aura radiated a gentler, steadier power.
When it came her turn, Tai Jian selected a snow-white robe and draped it over Tie Hongchen with his own hands. He wove her hair with deliberate tenderness, each gesture lingering a little too long, until their eyes met and silence stretched between them.
Hand in hand, they finally stepped out of the room.
The palace servants froze. Whispered glances darted like arrows in the air. After two long years apart, the prince and the war goddess emerged together, in different garments, yet from the same chamber. The implications needed no words.
Tie Hongchen felt the weight of their gazes prick at her skin, and she tried to withdraw her hand. But Tai Jian only tightened his grip, ignoring propriety. When she resisted further, he drew her even closer, wrapping an arm boldly around her waist.
Her cheeks flushed crimson. "Let me go," she whispered fiercely, but he only smiled, too strong for her to escape.
By the time they reached the gates, Xue Kai already waited with a carriage prepared. But standing beside it was a woman in white.
She was strikingly beautiful, though not on Tie Hongchen's level. Her posture exuded nobility, her gaze sharp as it swept over them.
Tai Jian's smile shifted into polite surprise. "Cousin, you are here?"
Dong Ning inclined her head, her voice smooth, though her eyes gleamed with barely concealed resentment as they lingered on Tie Hongchen. "Grandmother summoned me. She instructed that I accompany you both."
Tie Hongchen read the look instantly. Possessiveness. Challenge. Jealousy. But she only smiled faintly and lowered her gaze.
Before she could excuse herself, Tai Jian bent and, without warning, swept her into his arms.
"Let's not keep grandmother waiting," he said calmly, carrying her as though she weighed nothing.
The sight made Dong Ning's hands curl tightly into fists. Her lip trembled, but no words left her throat.
Xue Kai, who stood nearby, cast her a long, pitying glance. His expression revealed what his heart had hidden—admiration and affection for Dong Ning, who remained blind to him.
"Princess, please," he urged quietly, motioning for her to enter the carriage.
Her steps were stiff, her jaw tight, but she obeyed.
Inside, Tai Jian never once set Tie Hongchen down. She sat in his lap, his arms around her waist, his fingers casually playing with her hair. To any other onlooker, the display was shameless. To Dong Ning, it was unbearable.
"Why must you flaunt this before her?" Tie Hongchen whispered under her breath, though she made no move to stop him.
"She loves you, Tai Jian." Her voice was tinged with helplessness.
He answered without hesitation. "Some bonds cannot be forced. She is my cousin, nothing more. Besides… did you not see Xue Kai's gaze? His heart is already bound to her."
Tie Hongchen's brows arched slightly. "So she loves you, he loves her, and you… you claim to love me?"
His lips brushed her ear as he chuckled. "Something like that. The difference is—I know your heart belongs to me as well."
Her cheeks burned. She averted her eyes. "Who said that? Don't put words in my mouth." After a pause, she added with a mischievous grin, "But this triangle of yours is indeed troublesome."
Tai Jian's expression grew thoughtful then, his gaze turning toward the curtained window. "I have a bad feeling about today's meeting."
Tie Hongchen lowered her lashes, her tone quiet but sharp. "Then prepare yourself. If the Empress Dowager proposes a marriage alliance with your cousin… you may find yourself with another wife."
His lips curved into a cold smile, sending a chill through her heart. She knew that smile well—it meant defiance. Should such a proposal arise, Tai Jian would not only refuse, he might tear open the fragile alliance between the Empress Dowager and the Dong family.
Perhaps that was exactly what he wanted.
He tightened his grip on her hand. In his heart, plans already churned: battles yet to be fought, enemies yet to be faced. The shadow guild—silent, eternal, devouring all light in the continent—loomed in his mind like an endless night.
But he would not yield. He would burn brighter than the sun, for himself and for his family.
As his thoughts grew heavier, Tie Hongchen touched his arm gently. "Don't think of doing anything reckless."
Instead of answering, Tai Jian suddenly tilted his head and whispered, "Princess, why don't we have a child?"
Tie Hongchen froze, her eyes widening, her mind blank. Her lips parted, but no words came. The blood rose hot to her cheeks, drowning all composure.
"You—!" she stammered, unable to meet his eyes.
Across from them, Dong Ning's nails dug into her palms. Never had she imagined the man she loved could be so shameless in front of her.
The carriage rolled on, its silence heavy with unsaid words, burning gazes, and a storm yet to break.