Chapter 16: A Dance with Danger

The grand halls of the Bai estate bustled with activity as preparations for the upcoming banquet reached a fevered pitch. Servants rushed back and forth carrying silk drapes, trays of porcelain dishes, and stacks of invitations sealed with intricate golden emblems. The scent of fresh-cut flowers and incense hung thick in the air, a stark contrast to the tension simmering beneath the surface.

Bai Yue stood at the edge of the courtyard, watching the chaos unfold around her with measured calm. The banquet was less than a day away, and despite her efforts to maintain composure, a gnawing unease settled deep within her chest.

She was about to step into the heart of the capital's political machinations, where nobles whispered behind fans, and alliances were forged or broken over a single glance.

And then there was him.

Li Weishan.

Ever since their last encounter, his words haunted her, each syllable laced with a possessiveness that she didn't quite know how to deal with. He had made it clear—wherever she went, he would follow.

"You're hesitating."

Bai Yue's eyes snapped to the side, her heart skipping a beat at the sound of his voice. He stood there, leaning lazily against a stone pillar, dressed in dark robes that blended seamlessly with the shadows cast by the afternoon sun.

She frowned. "I'm not hesitating. I'm thinking."

Weishan stepped closer, his presence commanding, his gaze unwavering. "Thinking too much can be dangerous."

Bai Yue crossed her arms. "And blindly walking into traps isn't?"

His lips curved into a half-smile. "That's why I'll be there."

She rolled her eyes, exasperation lacing her tone. "You can't just keep showing up wherever you please."

Weishan tilted his head, his dark eyes gleaming with amusement. "You'll find I can."

Bai Yue sighed in frustration. "You're impossible."

He stepped even closer, invading her space with the kind of confidence that sent a shiver down her spine. "You should get used to it, little one."

Before she could snap back, a familiar voice interrupted.

"There you are, Bai Yue."

Bai Rong approached, her silk robes rustling as she moved with calculated grace. Her smile was saccharine, but her eyes held the same sharp cruelty Bai Yue had come to expect. She cast a glance at Weishan, her lips curling slightly in intrigue. "And who might this be?"

Bai Yue straightened, her voice steady. "Just someone passing through."

Weishan's expression didn't change, but his eyes darkened as he studied Bai Rong. "I'm not just anyone."

Bai Rong's eyes flicked between them, her interest piqued. "Interesting. You seem… protective of our little Bai Yue."

Weishan smiled, a dangerous glint in his gaze. "I have my reasons."

Bai Yue stiffened. She didn't like the way Bai Rong's eyes lit up with mischief, like a cat toying with its prey.

"Well," Bai Rong said, her voice sickly sweet, "since you're so interested, perhaps you should accompany us to the banquet tomorrow. I'm sure it would be… entertaining."

Bai Yue opened her mouth to protest, but Weishan beat her to it.

"I'd be delighted."

Bai Yue's jaw clenched. "Bai Rong, you can't just—"

"Oh, I think I can," Bai Rong interrupted smoothly, flashing a triumphant smile before sauntering off. "See you tomorrow."

Bai Yue turned to Weishan, her eyes blazing with frustration. "Why did you agree to that?"

He shrugged, his expression unreadable. "I told you—I won't let you go alone."

She huffed in frustration, shaking her head. "This is not going to end well."

Weishan's gaze softened slightly. "I'll make sure it does."

His voice was gentle but firm, and for a fleeting moment, Bai Yue wondered if there was a part of her that found comfort in it.

She quickly shoved the thought aside.

That night, Bai Yue sat in front of her small vanity, staring at her reflection in the flickering candlelight. Her thoughts were a whirlwind of uncertainty.

The banquet was a chance for her to gather information, to learn more about the Bai family's hidden dealings. But with Weishan's unexpected presence, things were becoming far more complicated than she had anticipated.

A soft knock at the window made her tense.

Her hand instinctively moved to the small dagger hidden beneath her robes as she approached, cracking the window open slightly.

Weishan's dark eyes met hers through the narrow gap. "Expecting someone else?"

Bai Yue exhaled in frustration, pushing the window wider. "Do you always sneak around like this?"

He smirked. "Only when I have a reason."

She folded her arms. "And what reason do you have now?"

Weishan leaned against the windowsill, his gaze never leaving hers. "To remind you that you're not alone."

Bai Yue's breath hitched slightly. There was something undeniably dangerous about him—dangerous in the way he looked at her, the way he spoke as if he had already decided she belonged to him.

"I don't need reminders," she said firmly.

Weishan's fingers brushed lightly against her wrist again, his touch lingering. "You say that, but your pulse says otherwise."

Bai Yue pulled her hand back sharply, her face heating. "You're insufferable."

He chuckled, a low, rich sound that sent an unwelcome thrill down her spine. "Get some rest, Bai Yue. Tomorrow will be… interesting."

With that, he disappeared into the night, leaving her with a racing heart and more questions than answers.

The next morning, Bai Yue stood in front of the large ornate mirror in the guest wing of the estate, dressed in elegant but subdued robes of pale lavender embroidered with delicate silver threads. The outfit had been chosen by Bai Rong, no doubt meant to highlight her 'lowly' status, but Bai Yue refused to let it bother her.

Instead, she focused on the reflection staring back at her—calm, composed, and ready.

As she stepped into the courtyard, she spotted Weishan waiting near the carriage, dressed in dark, richly embroidered robes that made him stand out even among the nobles. He looked every bit the predator he claimed to be.

Bai Yue approached him with a sigh. "Promise me you won't do anything reckless."

Weishan's lips curved into a slow smile. "I can't promise that."

She sighed in exasperation, but deep down, she felt the tiniest flicker of reassurance knowing that he would be there.

As the carriage rolled away from the Bai estate, Bai Yue couldn't help but feel that she was walking into something far bigger than she had imagined.

And with Weishan by her side, she had a feeling things were about to get even more complicated.