Chapter 17: The Price Of Betrayal

Inside the dimly lit room, Hanyu's eyes darkened with impatience as he looked at Lady Lian. He struggled to maintain his composure, the aphrodisiac stirring something wild and unrestrained within him. Lady Lian, seeing the desire in his eyes, took a step closer, her expression softened into a look of feigned innocence.

"Your Highness," she whispered breathlessly, her cheeks flushed. "Why did you call me here... especially with Lady Yanli still so close by?"

Hanyu smirked, his fingers reaching to brush a loose strand of her hair behind her ear. "It doesn't matter," he murmured, his gaze heavy with desire. "Yanli won't know a thing. Besides, there's only one woman I've wanted from the start, and it's you, Lian'er."

Her face brightened at his words, though she masked it quickly with a coy smile. She took a deep breath, the intoxicating scent of her perfume filling the room, adding fuel to the fire building within him. "But... Your Highness, this is dangerous. Lady Yanli—"

Hanyu cut her off, pulling her close. "I don't care. She's nothing compared to you." He leaned in, his voice a low growl. "Just give me this moment, Lian. Once I secure my place, you'll be by my side openly."

Lady Lian's hesitation was only a show, something she knew would drive him further into a frenzy. Her lips trembled as she whispered, "But... what if we're caught?"

Hanyu's grip tightened, and he whispered fiercely, "No one will dare to cross me once I am crown prince. Yanli is merely a means to an end. I'll use her family's influence to gain power, and once that's done... it will be you whom I honor by my side."

Lady Lian's face softened, a glint of triumph in her eyes. "Then... I'll trust you, Your Highness." She allowed herself to relax into his embrace, her arms wrapping around him as she looked up at him with adoration.

Just as their lips were about to meet, the sound of movement from the nearby chair broke their moment. Hanyu glanced back, his annoyance evident as he saw Yanli's still figure lying motionless, oblivious to the drama unfolding beside her.

With a sigh, Hanyu turned back to Lian, brushing his fingers against her cheek. "Let her be," he whispered. "She serves her purpose just as she is."

But unknown to them, Yanli's mind was fully alert, calculating every word they spoke. Behind her closed eyes, she steeled herself, satisfied that her scheme was progressing perfectly.

Meanwhile, Prince Zhen and Prince Ji remained hidden in the shadows outside the chamber, observing the events with careful eyes. Prince Ji chuckled under his breath, shaking his head at the scene before him.

"Brother, this is a scandal even the palace hasn't seen in years. Yanli is truly something."

Prince Zhen's expression was unreadable, his gaze fixed on the door. "She's merely reclaiming what's rightfully hers. Hanyu underestimated her, and he'll pay for his arrogance."

Prince Ji's gaze flickered with a mix of admiration and curiosity. "And you're prepared to stand by her side, even if this turns the palace against her?"

Zhen's voice was cold, resolute. "I've already made my decision, Ji. Hanyu lost the right to Yanli the moment he betrayed her. I'll ensure she's free of this engagement, and no one will lay a finger on her."

Prince Ji studied his brother's determined expression, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. "You've always been clever, Zhen. But this time... you may find yourself in deeper than you anticipated."

Zhen's gaze softened for a moment, his mind drifting to thoughts of Yanli. "I know exactly what I'm doing, Ji. And I won't let her fight this battle alone."

In the room, Hanyu's passion had reached its peak. He held Lian close, his hands roaming her back as he whispered promises of love and power. Lady Lian, reveling in the attention, held him close, her eyes alight with the thought of finally achieving her own ambitions.

Just then, Yanli stirred slightly, letting out a soft sigh as if she were awakening. Hanyu's attention was immediately drawn to her, his expression shifting as he forced himself to pull away from Lian.

"Stay here," he murmured to her, his voice barely a whisper. "I need to make sure she doesn't wake up fully. If she does, it could ruin everything."

Lady Lian gave him a brief, understanding nod. She stayed in the shadows, watching as Hanyu crossed over to where Yanli lay. He knelt beside her, his face a mixture of irritation and forced affection.

"Yanli?" he murmured, shaking her shoulder gently. "Are you alright?"

Feigning a dazed expression, Yanli blinked up at him, confusion clouding her eyes. "Hanyu... what happened? I feel... strange."

Hanyu forced a smile, his tone overly concerned. "You fainted, Yanli. It must have been the excitement of the evening. I'll have someone take you back to rest."

Yanli reached up, her hand brushing against his cheek in a gesture that seemed tender but was filled with hidden disdain. "You're so... kind, Your Highness. Thank you for staying with me."

For a moment, Hanyu's face softened, but it quickly turned smug as he helped her sit up. "Of course, Yanli. I'll always look after you."

As he led her out of the room, Lady Lian stayed behind, slipping away to avoid any suspicion. Once they were in the hallway, Yanli turned to Hanyu with a gentle smile.

"Your Highness, thank you for your patience with me tonight," she murmured, her voice filled with a sincerity that masked the satisfaction simmering within her.

Hanyu's expression grew self-satisfied. "Think nothing of it, Yanli. Just remember your place, and you'll always have my favor."

She lowered her gaze, hiding the flash of anger that burned in her eyes. "Of course, Your Highness. I would never forget."

They walked in silence back toward the grand hall, the celebrations resuming in full force around them. Yanli let herself slip away, taking her leave to "rest" as she had planned, while Hanyu returned to the festivities, his pride inflated by what he believed was his control over both her and Lady Lian.

But Yanli knew that she was now in full control of her fate. Her mind was already weaving the next steps of her plan, each one designed to dismantle the engagement and break free from Hanyu's grasp once and for all.

As she returned to her chambers, her heart felt lighter, her resolve sharper than ever. Hanyu and Lian had played their roles perfectly, and now it was only a matter of time before the palace saw the true nature of the prince's "devotion."

In the shadows, Prince Zhen watched her retreat, a sense of pride warming his usually cold gaze. He knew that their paths were destined to intertwine, and he would make certain that nothing—and no one—would stand in the way of Yanli's liberation.