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The village air was soft that evening.
After the awkward but calm breakfast earlier that morning, the four of them had spent the day separately—Lù Zhāo and Shèng Měi walking the market trails hand in hand, while the Prince wandered the outskirts of the fields, Shèng Lín trailing behind like a shadow unsure of its shape.
Now the sun had set, and the air smelled of soil and smoke from cooking fires. The Prince leaned against the wooden railing outside the house, staring into the dusky horizon.
He heard soft footsteps.
Shèng Lín.
As always—silent until too close to ignore.
The Prince didn't turn. His voice came sharp but calm.
> "Who sent you to kill me?"
Shèng Lín paused.
His breath hitched, barely—but the Prince heard it.
> "You already know I was a spy," Shèng Lín said quietly.
> "I didn't ask if you were," the Prince replied. He turned slowly, locking eyes with him. "I asked who."
Shèng Lín's gaze didn't break.
> "I can't tell you."
> "Can't, or won't?"
> "Both."
Silence stretched.
Then the Prince stepped forward.
One step.
Two.
Until they were close enough to feel the heat between them again.
His hand came up slowly—and he kissed Shèng Lín.
Firm.
Deliberate.
Shèng Lín stiffened at first, then melted, as he always did.
When the kiss ended, the Prince whispered against his lips—
> "Now tell me."
> "No," Shèng Lín whispered back, cheeks flushed.
The Prince smirked.
Then kissed him again.
This time slower, softer, but deeper. He took his time—his hands gripping the edge of Shèng Lín's robe, pulling him just enough to remind him who had the power here.
They parted again.
> "Now?"
Shèng Lín's breath was shaky. "Still no."
The Prince stared, amused—and a little impressed.
> "Loyal even to ghosts, I see."
Shèng Lín's voice was low. "You're the only one who turned into something real."
That made the Prince pause.
His hand lingered on Shèng Lín's chest.
Their heartbeats were fast—too fast for peace.
> "I'll find out eventually," the Prince said, not unkindly.
> "Then I'll pray you never do," Shèng Lín murmured, touching the Prince's hand briefly. "Because the closer you get to that truth, the more danger will return."
They stood in silence, neither stepping away.
Then the Prince let go.
> "Get inside. I'm not done with you tonight."
Shèng Lín swallowed hard, eyes flickering with something between dread and want.
> "Yes, Your Highness."
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