My father smiled, his eyes shining with pride. "You grow up, you're so beautiful, my dear daughter. Look who is here... He is Bai Long, the crown prince of Longshan Kingdom.
" I was taken aback, but I managed to greet him formally. "Greetings crown prince, welcome to our kingdom."
Bai Long's gaze lingered on me, making me feel uneasy. During dinner, he stared at me, his expression unreadable. I tried to focus on the conversation, but his eyes made me feel like a rabbit caught in a hunter's sights. "Dad, I really miss you all," I said, attempting to steer the conversation back to safer topics.
My father smiled, his eyes warm. "Now you're at your own home, so be happy." I smiled, feeling a sense of relief. When I was talking to my father, I caught Bai Long staring at me, his eyes biting his own lips and winking. I felt strange, wondering if he was trying to remind me of our previous encounter.
Then, my father announced our engagement, and I felt like I'd been punched in the gut. Bai Long's hand closed around mine, his grip firm but gentle. "Oh, my princess, you want to run away," he whispered, "but I won't let you.
" I looked into his eyes, trying to free my hand. "Oh, you want me to take off my hand, but I only do this if you kiss me." At this point, my brain was reeling.
"Crown prince, please leave my hand," I said, trying to keep my voice steady. He held my hand gently and said, "Call me hubby first." I felt a flush rise to my cheeks. "Wha-what? We're not married yet." He smiled mischievously. "Just say it." I hesitated, then whispered, "Okay... Hubby, please take off your hand." To my surprise, he let go of my hand easily.