He took her to a waterfall.
It was perhaps an hour's ride from the palace, through forests that grew denser and wilder with each mile. When they finally arrived, Soyeon understood why he had brought her here.
The waterfall was breathtaking.
It cascaded down smooth black rocks into a crystal-clear pool, surrounded by ancient trees whose branches created a canopy overhead. Mist rose from where the water struck the surface, catching the sunlight and creating small rainbows. The sound was soothing, a constant gentle roar that drowned out thought.
"Beautiful, isn't it?" Prince Zhao Yifeng dismounted and helped her down. "I come here sometimes when court politics become.…overwhelming."
"It's amazing," Soyeon breathed.
They walked to the edge of the pool. Someone had arranged a pavilion here, a delicate structure with silk cushions and a low table already set with wine and fruit.
He planned this, Soyeon realized. This isn't spontaneous. He had servants prepare everything in advance.
