The Crown Prince's private dining hall was breathtaking.
Silk lanterns cast warm golden light over everything. The low table was set with dishes that looked almost too beautiful to eat, delicate dumplings arranged like flowers, glazed meats that gleamed like jewels, soups served in porcelain bowls painted with cranes and clouds.
Prince Zhao Yifeng stood when she entered, and his reaction….
"Su Yan," he breathed, and he actually looked stunned. "You're.….you're absolutely stunning."
Heat flooded Soyeon's face. "Your Highness, I—"
"No, I mean it." He moved toward her, taking her hand with surprising gentleness. "I have seen countless beautiful women in my life. Court ladies who spend hours on their appearance. But you..." He smiled. "You make them all look like shadows."
"Your Highness is too kind—"
"I'm honest." He led her to the table, helping her sit as if she were made of porcelain. "Please. Eat. Everything here is prepared specially for you."
