Chapter Sixteen: The Ripple in the Water

Dan-Bi had survived the night.

But the weight of what had happened clung to her like a second skin.

She should have been more shaken.

She should have spent the morning in restless paranoia, glancing over her shoulder at every turn.

Instead—

She found herself thinking of his hands.

The firm but careful way the Crown Prince had wrapped her wound.

The warmth of his fingers against her skin.

She clenched her jaw, forcing the memory aside.

There was no time for distraction.

Not now.

Not when she was already standing at the edge of a knife.

---

The royal garden was quiet in the early morning, the water lilies drifting lazily across the pond.

Dan-Bi dipped her brush into the ink, her strokes steady as she copied an old text onto fresh parchment.

She had chosen this secluded spot to think.

To breathe.

But peace was a luxury she could never hold for long.

"I was told I would find you here."

The voice was familiar.

Too familiar.

Dan-Bi's fingers curled slightly around her brush before she forced herself to remain composed.

"Your Highness."

She glanced up.

The Crown Prince stood a few paces away, hands tucked behind his back, his gaze unreadable.

Dan-Bi lowered her head in greeting. "To what do I owe the honor?"

He did not answer immediately.

Instead, he stepped closer, his eyes flickering to the parchment before her.

"A scholar even in leisure," he murmured. "Does your mind ever rest?"

Dan-Bi smiled lightly. "Knowledge is a steady companion, Your Highness."

The prince hummed, his gaze drifting toward the pond. "And yet, even the stillest waters can be disturbed."

Something in his tone made her pause.

She set her brush down carefully. "Is there something troubling Your Highness?"

He didn't answer right away.

Then—

"Last night."

Dan-Bi stiffened.

"I thought you might have questions."

Her heartbeat quickened, but she kept her face calm. "About what?"

The prince turned to her fully then, his eyes searching hers.

"The fact that someone tried to kill you."

She met his gaze evenly. "Perhaps it was a mere warning."

His expression darkened. "You say that as if a warning is less dangerous."

Dan-Bi's lips pressed together.

He wasn't wrong.

Warnings in the palace were rarely just warnings.

She should have been more careful.

She would be more careful.

And yet—

"Your Highness was there as well," she pointed out. "Perhaps the attack was meant for you."

The prince's brow arched slightly. "Do you believe that?"

No.

She knew very well that the enemy had wanted to silence her.

But admitting that meant drawing him further into this mess.

And that was the last thing she wanted.

So instead, she tilted her head slightly, offering a light smirk.

"It is merely a thought."

The prince studied her for a long moment.

Then—

Without breaking eye contact—

He reached out.

Dan-Bi inhaled sharply as his fingers brushed the edge of her sleeve.

Not quite touching, but close enough.

Too close.

His gaze flickered downward, landing on the makeshift bandage he had wrapped around her arm the night before.

Slowly, he lifted the edge, checking his handiwork.

Dan-Bi should have pulled away.

Should have stepped back.

But her body betrayed her.

She remained still, her breath caught in her throat.

The prince traced a finger along the edge of the cloth, his touch barely there.

A strange expression crossed his face—something thoughtful.

Uncertain.

Then, in the softest voice, he murmured,

"I do not like owing debts, Scholar Han."

Dan-Bi blinked.

What—

Before she could react, he stepped back, his usual composed mask falling back into place.

"Take care not to place yourself in danger again," he said simply.

And then—

He turned and walked away.

Leaving Dan-Bi staring after him—

Heart unsteady.

Mind racing.

And utterly unsure of who was truly ensnaring whom.