A week later, a gold-edged invitation arrived at Ye Group headquarters.
"The Vienna Royal Ball?" Haoxuan opened it, raising an eyebrow. It was an exclusive invitation, limited to European royalty and specially invited guests.
Yuexi emerged from the study in lavender loungewear. "The royal family knows we're engaged. They want to meet you formally."
"It's a test." Haoxuan immediately understood the implication.
"Yes." Yuexi sat across from him. "The ball will have royalty, dignitaries from various countries, and... Dark Moon's eyes. They'll observe you, assess if you're worthy of a royal princess, and identify your weaknesses."
Haoxuan's lips curved confidently. "Then let them see."
The following two weeks, Yuexi began emergency "training" for Haoxuan. Royal etiquette, European noble lineages, diplomatic language, dance steps, even identifying potential threats.
"Remember, when someone holds a glass like this," Yuexi demonstrated a subtle gesture, "it means they might be Dark Moon. It's an internal signal."
Haoxuan learned quickly, his memory astonishing, nearly photographic. More importantly, he displayed a natural aristocratic bearing, as if born to that world.
"You suit all this," Yuexi said softly after one session. "More than some of my actual cousins."
Haoxuan took her hand, drawing her into a dance. "Perhaps in a past life, I was a prince of some kingdom, destined to find his princess in this one."
Yuexi stiffened briefly at his sudden intimacy but didn't push away. His embrace was warm and solid, carrying a faint cedar scent that made her feel a long-lost safety.
"Ye Haoxuan," she rested her head lightly on his shoulder. "If... if one day, I must return to Europe, inherit the throne, what would you do?"
The music continued; Haoxuan's steps didn't falter. "Then I'll be your prince consort, help you govern."
"Your family? The Ye Group?"
"The Ye Group has other heirs; my cousins are capable." He looked down at her. "But there's only one you. Yuexi, from the moment we reunited, I made my choice."
Tears pricked Yuexi's eyes. For twenty years, she allowed herself to believe, for the first time, that she too could have ordinary happiness, her own love.
On the eve of the ball, Yuexi received a special gift—an ancient jewelry box containing a necklace set with deep blue gemstones that seemed to hold swirling stars.
"This is 'Moonlight Radiance,' a Habsburg heirloom." Chen Bo said respectfully. "Sent by the old king. He wishes you to wear it at the ball."
Yuexi touched the necklace; the gems felt warm. "This means the royal family formally acknowledges me."
"And greater responsibility and danger." Chen Bo worried. "Your Highness, are you sure Mr. Ye is ready for this?"
Yuexi looked out the window as Haoxuan's car entered the manor. Stepping out, he glanced up at her window; their eyes met.
"I don't know if he's ready," Yuexi whispered.
"But I know I'm willing to face it with him."