Chapter Twelve: A Game of Shadows

Dan-Bi had spent her life hiding.

She was good at it.

But the Crown Prince was making her doubt just how well she had mastered the art.

Because somehow—someway—he kept finding her.

---

It was a warm evening when she found herself in the palace gardens.

The scent of blooming jasmine lingered in the air, mixing with the faint rustle of the wind.

Dan-Bi had come here for solitude.

To clear her thoughts.

To remind herself of who she was—who she had to be.

But then—

"You always seem to seek quiet places, Scholar Han."

Her spine tensed at the familiar voice.

She turned.

The prince stood a few feet away, arms crossed, watching her.

The lantern light softened his sharp features, casting shadows over his face.

Dan-Bi swallowed, carefully schooling her expression. "I find that silence brings clarity, Your Highness."

He stepped closer. "And what is it you seek clarity on?"

She hesitated.

Too dangerous a question.

Too dangerous an answer.

So she gave him nothing.

"Nothing of importance, Your Highness."

He exhaled through his nose, amused. "You always do that."

Dan-Bi frowned. "Do what?"

"Say much without saying anything at all."

Her heart skipped a beat.

She had spent years perfecting that skill.

Yet somehow—

He had noticed.

"I suppose it is a habit of mine," she said lightly, turning her gaze back to the night sky.

A safe distraction.

Or so she thought.

Until he spoke again.

"Are you hiding something from me, Scholar Han?"

The question was casual.

Too casual.

Dan-Bi's pulse pounded in her ears.

She forced herself to chuckle, shaking her head. "What could I possibly hide from Your Highness?"

The prince hummed, as if considering her words.

Then, to her utter shock—

He smirked.

A knowing, infuriating smirk.

"Would you tell me if you were?"

Dan-Bi inhaled sharply.

This was a game.

A test.

And she had to win.

She met his gaze, steady and unwavering.

"If I were hiding something, Your Highness," she murmured, voice smooth as silk, "you would never know."

For a brief moment, something flickered in his eyes.

Amusement.

Intrigue.

Something deeper.

Something dangerous.

But just as quickly as it appeared, it was gone.

He chuckled. "A bold claim."

Dan-Bi forced a small smile. "A truthful one."

The prince studied her for a long moment.

Then, finally—

He stepped back.

"Good night, Scholar Han."

Dan-Bi bowed. "Good night, Your Highness."

And as he walked away, she let out the breath she hadn't realized she was holding.

She had won this round.

But deep down, she knew—

The game was far from over.