chapter 12

The ride back to the capital was tense. The rhythmic pounding of hooves against the dirt road filled the silence, but Shen Yue could feel the weight of Li Han's arm as he held the reins, his posture rigid. His body was warm against hers, but his mind was elsewhere—calculating, planning.

The wind was sharp against her damp clothes, and exhaustion clung to her like a heavy shroud. She had nearly died today. More than once. But what unsettled her more was the realization that this was not the first time Li Han had faced such danger.

"Your Highness," one of the guards spoke, breaking the silence. "We should take a different route. If the Third Prince was bold enough to send assassins in broad daylight, he may have men watching the main roads."

Li Han's jaw tightened. "Take the mountain path. We will reach the capital by dawn."

The guards exchanged wary glances but obeyed, turning their horses toward the rugged trails winding through the cliffs. Shen Yue shivered involuntarily, but she said nothing. She had no place to question military strategy.

Instead, she focused on Li Han. His expression was unreadable, but his grip on the reins was firm, his muscles taut.

"You've been through this before," she said quietly.

Li Han didn't look at her. "Yes."

Shen Yue hesitated before speaking again. "And yet… you survived."

This time, he did glance at her, a shadow of a smirk playing on his lips. "Disappointed?"

She huffed, though a small part of her was relieved he still had the energy to tease. "No. Just… wondering how many times this has happened."

Li Han's smirk faded, his gaze turning back to the road ahead. "Too many."

The gravity in his voice silenced her.

They rode for hours, stopping only once to rest the horses. Li Han barely allowed himself a moment of rest before discussing strategy with his captain. Shen Yue watched as he gave precise instructions, his voice steady and commanding. There was no doubt—he was a man born for war.

But even he was not invincible.

By the time they reached the capital gates, the first light of dawn painted the sky in soft hues of gold and crimson. The city was just beginning to stir, merchants setting up their stalls, guards switching shifts. They passed through the palace gates unnoticed, their travel-worn figures blending into the morning mist.

As soon as they dismounted, a royal attendant rushed toward them.

"Your Highness," the man bowed deeply. "His Majesty requests your immediate presence."

Li Han barely blinked. "Of course he does."

Shen Yue frowned. "The Emperor already knows?"

Li Han sighed, rubbing his temple. "If he doesn't, he will soon. News travels faster in the palace than the wind."

She knew that all too well. The palace thrived on whispers, and if anyone discovered that she had spent the night in the wilderness with the second prince…

Her heart clenched.

Li Han turned to her. "You need to return home."

Shen Yue tensed. "Alone?"

"I will send guards with you," he assured. "But it's safer if we arrive separately."

Safer for whom? She wanted to ask. But she knew the answer.

For her.

Because the palace would not be kind if it knew she had been with him all night. Her father would be furious. The ministers would talk. And Shen Ruo…

She swallowed her unease and nodded. "Very well."

Li Han studied her for a moment, as if considering whether to say something more. But then, he simply turned away, striding toward the palace doors without another word.

Shen Yue watched him go, an unfamiliar tightness in her chest.

She had survived the assassins.

But somehow, she felt as if the real battle had only just begun.