Chapter 14: The Unseen Snare

The grand celebration pulsed with life, echoing with laughter, music, and the quiet rustle of silks as noblewomen adorned in exquisite gowns glided through the hall. At the center of it all, Prince Hanyu stood with an air of confidence, surrounded by admirers, though his eyes were not on them. He was scanning the room for one person in particular.

In a corner, Lady Yanli conversed quietly with Prince Zhen, her expression serene yet engaged, laughter dancing in her eyes. The sight stirred an uncomfortable feeling within Hanyu, a mixture of suspicion and jealousy that simmered beneath the surface. Just then, Zhen leaned in closer, whispering something that made Yanli giggle, and Hanyu's chest tightened at the sight.

"Forgive my intrusion," Hanyu said, striding over with a forced smile, his voice dripping with feigned politeness. "What enchanting secrets are you two sharing?"

Zhen turned to face him, a smirk curling his lips. "Ah, Prince Hanyu, just discussing the finer points of swan cuisine. Have you tried it? I hear it's quite exquisite, though only fit for those above toads."

Hanyu bristled at the subtle mockery, anger flashing in his eyes even though he was afraid of prince Zhen, but doesn't want to look weak as everyone is looking at them. "Careful, Prince Zhen. Your tongue might slip you into a dangerous place," he shot back, refusing to back down. The tension between the three of them was palpable, and the surrounding nobles felt the energy crackle in the air.

Yanli's gaze shifted between the two princes, sensing the growing rivalry and trying to diffuse the situation. "Perhaps we should focus on the celebration," she suggested lightly, her tone diplomatic.

But Hanyu would not be dissuaded. "I think I'll have to take a rain check on that swan dish. It's hard to enjoy a meal when one feels like a toad in the presence of a swan."

Zhen leaned back, an amused expression on his face. "Oh, Hanyu, if you truly believe that you're deserving of swan meat, you should first shed the skin of your toadishness."

With a scoff, Hanyu turned to Yanli, his demeanor softening slightly. "Lady Yanli, it's a shame to see you surrounded by such… characters. Do you truly wish to associate with them?"

Yanli sensed the veiled accusation and kept her expression neutral. "Prince Hanyu, I am merely enjoying the company of those present. After all, we are all here to celebrate."

Hanyu's jaw tightened, but he masked his irritation. "Then allow me to make it up to you. I'll arrange for a private dinner. Just the two of us, away from the noise."

Before she could respond, Hanyu stepped closer, lowering his voice. "I've noticed your change in demeanor. Have I wronged you in some way?" He scrutinized her closely, searching for any sign of truth.

Yanli hesitated, her thoughts racing. "Your Highness has not wronged me," she replied carefully, her tone even. "It's just that I've been preoccupied with family matters."

Hanyu's brow furrowed, his suspicion growing. "Is that so? I've been meaning to visit you, but duties often keep me away."

"Of course," Yanli responded with politeness, a hint of distance in her tone. "I understand that you have responsibilities."

Hanyu felt a surge of frustration at her detachment but quickly recovered. "Then let me make amends." He reached for her hand, placing a delicate cup of wine in her palm. "To our friendship."

Yanli accepted the cup, noting the weight of his gaze on her. "To friendship," she echoed, lifting the cup in a mock toast. She brought it to her lips, taking a careful sip, ensuring she didn't taste the potent aphrodisiac she had mixed in.

Hanyu smiled, momentarily satisfied. "You've always been fair in your dealings, Yanli. I admire that." He took a step back, still watching her intently. "I must attend to some matters. Do keep the drink close; it's of the finest quality."

"Of course, Your Highness," she replied, and he turned to leave, but not before casting a last, lingering glance her way.

As Hanyu walked away, Yanli felt a weight lift from her shoulders. She knew that in this game of courtly intrigue, every small victory counted. Across the room, Lady Lian watched the exchange with narrowed eyes, her jealousy boiling over.

"Why does he speak to her with such familiarity?" she muttered under her breath, feeling the heat of anger rise within her. Her heart ached with the longing she felt for Hanyu, wishing desperately that she could approach him openly as his beloved.

Hanyu's gaze flickered toward her, and Lian quickly transformed her expression into one of sweet disappointment. He felt a pang of guilt, knowing that he was keeping their relationship secret. Yet he was confident that his plans would soon bear fruit, enabling him to secure Yanli's family's support and ultimately claim the crown.

Meanwhile, Yanli was approached by Lady Lian, with a feigned friendly smile, holding a cup of wine. "Lady Yanli, I thought I would find you here. May I share a drink with you?"

"Of course, Lady Lian," Yanli replied, her voice smooth and composed. She took the cup and raised it to her lips, pretending to drink while ensuring that Lian was focused on her.

"Do you truly think you can match me?" Lian asked, a sly smile creeping onto her face. "I hear you've been spending a lot of time with Prince Hanyu lately."

Yanli felt the sting of Lian's words but kept her expression neutral. "He is a prince and an acquaintance; nothing more." She set her cup down, mirroring Lian's movements.

"Oh, but isn't it interesting how quickly an acquaintance can become a confidant?" Lian countered, leaning in closer, her eyes glinting with challenge. "I just wonder how long you can keep him interested when there are so many other ladies vying for his attention."

Yanli met Lian's gaze, her lips curving into a smile that didn't reach her eyes. "A lady's worth is not determined by the attention she receives from men, Lady Lian. I trust my own merit."

As Lian opened her mouth to retort, Yanli, with calculated grace, purposefully spilled a small amount of her wine onto Lian's fine silk gown. "Oh dear! My sincerest apologies!" she exclaimed, the mock concern evident in her tone. "I didn't mean to ruin your gown."

Lian's expression darkened for a brief moment before she forced a smile. "It's nothing, Lady Yanli. I'm sure it's just a minor mishap."

Yanli, pretending to be concerned, quickly set her cup down beside Lian's. In a flash, she switched their drinks, ensuring that Lian would soon sip the wine she had spiked with a strong aphrodisiac.

"Perhaps we should toast again," Yanli suggested sweetly, lifting her cup again. "To friendship and the bonds we share as ladies of the court."

Lian lifted her cup, the tension thick between them. "To friendship," she echoed, taking a sip from the cup Yanli had placed before her.

Yanli smiled to herself as Lian drank, her mind already racing ahead. "I do hope we can support one another in the future, especially when it comes to matters of the heart."

"Of course," Lian replied, but her eyes narrowed slightly, as if sensing something. "Though I would advise you to keep your distance from Prince Hanyu. He has his eyes on many, and it's easy to fall out of favor."

Yanli's smile widened, her tone dripping with false innocence. "I would never presume to be the sole object of his attention. After all, we are all here to support the prince in his pursuits, are we not?"

Lian's eyes flickered with irritation, but she maintained her composure. "Yes, of course. Just remember that the court can be a dangerous place for those who underestimate their rivals."

After a few more exchanged pleasantries, Lian took her leave, the atmosphere charged with their unspoken competition. Yanli allowed herself a moment to breathe, the adrenaline from their encounter sending a rush through her.