Our love triangle

 Chapter 35: Our love triangle 

"I am doing all this because tomorrow is the first month of our agreement, princess," Wang Wei said. His voice was calm, but he felt excited.

Princess Hua looked at him, her heart racing as she remembered what tomorrow meant. It was a month since they made their unusual deal, and she felt both excited and scared. But as she looked at him, her thoughts shifted from the contract to the man beside her. The sunlight made him look even more handsome, and she admired him.

"Princess, are you okay? Why are you staring at me?" Wang Wei teased, his eyes shining with fun. "Don't you have money to pay for our agreement? Deceiving the emperor is a serious crime."

She felt her cheeks get warm. In a moment of honesty, she almost said, "I think I like..." But she stopped herself, realizing how important those words were.

"You like what?" he asked, curious.

"I think I like your dress," she lied, forcing a smile to hide her true feelings.

"Don't you think I've been too nice for you to like my dress?" he replied, a playful grin on his face.

Suddenly, the cart shook violently, and before she could hold on, Princess Hua fell into Wang Wei, their lips almost touching. Time seemed to stop as they looked into each other's eyes, everything else fading away.

But then, an arrow flew through the air, hitting the cart. Another arrow struck the driver, and chaos broke out.

"Young master, this" Bao started, but when he opened the cart, he froze, eyes wide at the sight of Wang Wei and Princess Hua, still shocked from their close moment.

They quickly pulled away from each other, both embarrassed. Bao cleared his throat, his face a mix of shock and worry. "Young master, we are surrounded."

Wang Wei pushed Princess Hua out of the cart. "Leave with Bao," he said firmly.

Panic filled Princess Hua, her heart racing. "No! I can't leave you here!" she cried, fear gripping her.

"Leave!" Wang Wei ordered, his voice strong.

"Young master," Bao protested, but Wang Wei's fierce look silenced him.

"I say you should leave!" he shouted, urgency in his voice. Bao, understanding the danger, forced Princess Hua onto a horse. Her eyes were wide with tears as she looked back at Wang Wei, desperation on her face.

"Please, be safe!" she shouted, her heart breaking as they rode away, leaving him behind.

As the attackers closed in, they rushed toward the cart like vultures. Wang Wei, filled with adrenaline, jumped from his seat, fists ready. He fought fiercely, dodging a sword swing and hitting one attacker hard, sending him to the ground.

He ducked under another swing, grabbing the man's arm and twisting it until he heard a loud crack. The attacker screamed in pain, but Wang Wei didn't stop. He kicked another attacker in the stomach, sending him crashing into the cart, where he lay still.

Just as he was about to face one of the assassin a sword swung toward his head. In a split second, an arrow flew past him, hitting the attacker in the chest. Wang Wei turned to see Courtesan Rong, her bow ready, determination on her face.

"Are you okay?" she shouted, shooting another arrow that hit its target.

"Why are you here?" he asked, dodging another blow as they fought back-to-back.

"I went to your mansion. I was told you left earlier. I wanted to warn you that the road is surrounded. He is after you!" she explained, her voice steady despite the chaos.

Together, they fought like a team, moving in sync as they took down the remaining attackers. Blood stained the ground, and the air was thick with the smell of battle.

When the last attacker fell, silence surrounded them, broken only by their heavy breathing. Wang Wei wiped blood from his lips and looked at Courtesan Rong, who was watching him with concern.

"Are you okay?" she asked, her eyes searching his.

"Yes, I am," he replied, though he could still feel the adrenaline rushing through him.

"I'm glad you are," she said, a soft smile breaking through the tension. They sank to the ground under a nearby tree, feeling a little lighter.

"How is the contract with the princess? The needy are hungry and getting sick, and the brothel isn't making enough money lately. We have to spend all the profit on them," she said, worry in her voice.

"Thank you for everything. I heard you give them medicine," Wang Wei said, feeling grateful.

"I was once one of them," she said quietly. "My family was killed because of treason, and I escaped execution. You saved me. I know how it feels to have no family to go to."

"Did you think king is cruel?" Wang wei asked.

Courtesan Rong bend her head to brush off the question.

Wang Wei felt sad for her past, understanding her pain. "Can you give me a little time?" he asked earnestly.

She nodded, her eyes showing a mix of hope and uncertainty. In that moment, amidst the aftermath of battle, they found comfort in each other.