"Your Highness, do you feel better? The maids are waiting to come in for your morning toilette."
Li Wei let out a small cough. A faint, mischievous smile tugged at the corner of his lips as a sly idea crossed his mind.
"Don't let them in," he ordered lazily, his voice still hoarse but carrying authority. "Just bring me the water."
He hadn't even finished speaking when Leena slipped out of his embrace, straightening her posture as though nothing had happened. Her cheeks burned, but she kept her face carefully neutral. By the time Jun entered with a steaming bowl of water, she stood as stiff as a soldier at attention.
"Your Majesty, you already look better!" Jun declared, his voice overly bright. Too bright. He was playing his part—after all, in the palace, the walls always had ears.
"Indeed, the prince's condition has improved greatly," Leena added quickly, her words rushed. Anything to escape the suffocating intimacy of the chamber. She bowed and hurried toward the door. "I'll leave him in your capable hands."
"Where are you going?" Li Wei's voice cut through, sharp with the edge of reluctance. His gaze lingered on her like chains trying to hold her back.
"Your Highness, I must join the head physician. Today is my first day as his apprentice."
"Oh… right." His tone softened. For a moment, vulnerability flickered in his eyes. "Be careful."
"I will."
And then she fled before anyone else could see her slipping from the prince's chambers. Her heart pounded against her ribs the entire way back to her own room.
Maya was waiting, arms crossed, foot tapping furiously.
"Madam! How many times will you scare me half to death? Why are you always disappearing like that?"
"I'm sorry, I was just—" Leena froze. The memories of yesterday slammed into her like a wave. She and the prince… laughing, teasing each other like children. And then—
The kiss.
Her fingers twitched at her side as warmth flooded her cheeks. Just remembering it made her lips tingle.
"We don't have time for explanations, Madam!" Maya snapped, cutting her thoughts short. "You'll be late for your first day!"
"Oh, right!" The worry vanished in an instant, replaced by an irrepressible smile. The thought of working filled her with excitement. Finally, she could heal, help people—do something meaningful. Not judged, not sidelined.
"Help me dress!" Leena cried, her voice brimming with energy.
As Maya helped her into fresh robes and began fixing her hair, Leena's thoughts drifted again. She touched her lips unconsciously, still able to feel the heat of yesterday's kiss. Why had the prince kissed her? Was it just impulse, or did it mean something deeper? She had never seen such an expression on his face before—genuine joy, unrestrained. The way he looked at her, as if she were the only one in his world…
No. It couldn't be. Could it?
"Madam, you're ready," Maya announced, tugging the last strand of hair into place.
Leena blinked, pulled back to reality. It was time. Time to save lives.
The infirmary bustled with quiet order. Physicians in blue and white robes moved about, their distinctive tall hats bobbing in rhythm as they worked. Leena's eyes sparkled. How she longed to wear that same uniform, to stand among them as an equal.
"Ah, Leena, just on time," the head physician said as she entered. He eyed her with the calm authority of a man used to command. "I've been told His Majesty was unwell. How is his condition? Does he require further assistance?"
Dozens of eyes turned toward her. Cold, calculating, envious. The connection she seemed to share with the prince was enough to make every one of them glare daggers.
Leena's mind raced. Think, Leena, think!
"He's well, Physician. His Majesty simply… had trouble sleeping. A little stress, perhaps." She forced her voice to stay steady.
The head physician nodded. "I understand. Thank you for ensuring His Majesty's comfort."
Leena bowed low. "It was an honor."
"Now," he continued briskly, "this morning we must check every resident's pulse and skin condition. We cannot afford new infections. So far, we've been fortunate—no signs of sickness since our arrival. Leena, you'll accompany my right hand, Physician Lu Zang."
A tall man with a long, narrow frame shifted uncomfortably. Lu Zang had been among those glaring at her earlier. Now he let out a loud, disgruntled sigh.
"I'm not sure this is a good idea," he muttered, his gaze sweeping disdainfully over Leena from head to toe. "She might slow me down. Or worse."
"You're wasting time with complaints," the head physician snapped. Without another word, he strode off to begin his own rounds.
The room emptied quickly as everyone scattered to their tasks, leaving only Leena and Lu Zang.
"I'll do my very best not to slow you down," she said with bright determination.
Lu Zang's lip curled in a half-sneer. "Follow me."
They arrived at their first chamber. Even before stepping inside, Leena's eyes widened at the sheer beauty of the noble quarters. The carved wooden doors were inlaid with delicate floral patterns. The corridor lined with polished lanterns and wind chimes that sang softly with each passing breeze. Golden sunlight streamed through painted screens, painting the hallway in shades of warm mandarin orange.
She had to remind herself to breathe.
Lu Zang announced their presence before entering the room. His posture stiffened as he bowed low. His long limbs nearly folded into the floor in reverence.
Leena quickly followed, copying his movements.
"We've come for your morning check-up, Madam," Lu Zang explained, his voice trembling with respect.
"Make it quick," came a sharp reply. "I have an appointment with the prince and I will not be late because of you."
The noblewoman's tone dripped with superiority.
"Of course, Madam," Lu Zang answered smoothly, straightening his back. Leena rose as well—
And froze.
The woman sitting before her was no stranger. Her beauty was delicate, almost ethereal, but her smile was cold, false, sharp enough to draw blood.
Lady Jiang Ruolan.
Her eyes locked on Leena's, and that smile widened ever so slightly, revealing nothing but ill intent.
Leena's stomach tightened.
This is going to be trouble…
༘˚⋆𐙚｡⋆𖦹.✧˚Thank you for reading! Next chapter will be publish on October 28th .𖥔 ݁ ˖