The room fell into an unnatural silence the moment the guards left.
Only Lin Xu and the Crown Prince remained inside.
The door slid shut with a click that echoed through her bones. Her fingers tightened in her sleeves, and she slowly lifted her eyes.
The Crown Prince stood with his back to her, hands clasped behind him, staring out the window where moonlight poured into the room. His white undergarment shimmered faintly under the pale glow, outlining the tall, sharp lines of his body.
Lin Xu forced herself to breathe.
You must do this. For Mo Ying. You promised.
But her chest constricted painfully.
She wiped her trembling hands on her skirt and tried to steady her voice.
"Your… Your Highness…"
The Crown Prince spoke before she could continue.
"Stand."
His tone wasn't loud, but it held a commanding weight that made her legs move even as they shook. She stood slowly, her knees barely supporting her.
He finally turned around.
