A Silent Battle

Chapter Nine

Ping's breath hitched as Ling's words settled deep in her chest.

I will allow your defiance once.

She could hear the warning beneath his calm tone. This was a man used to obedience, a king feared by all. And yet… he hadn't punished her. He had chosen patience over force.

That alone confused her.

Ping clenched her fists. She wouldn't let herself be intimidated. "I never asked to be your wife."

Ling's golden eyes remained unreadable. "And I never asked for a wife who fears me."

Ping froze.

The breeze rustled the cherry blossoms around them, pink petals drifting through the air.

Ling stepped closer, slow and deliberate. He didn't touch her, but his presence alone was overwhelming.

"Tell me, Ping," he continued. "What exactly do you think I will do to you?"

Ping's mind raced. The rumors of him being a monster. The whispers that he had murdered his own parents. The stories of people who entered Mora and never returned.

"I don't know," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "But I won't sit and wait to find out."

A ghost of a smirk crossed Ling's lips. "Good."

Ping blinked in surprise. "What?"

Ling turned slightly, gazing at the koi pond. "It would be disappointing if you were the type to bow so easily."

Her heart pounded. Was he… testing her?

"Come," Ling said suddenly, motioning toward a stone path. "Walk with me."

Ping hesitated. "Why?"

His golden eyes met hers again. "Because despite what you think… I do not intend to be your enemy."

Something about the way he said it sent chills down her spine.

She had spent her entire life hearing of the Shadow King—the ruthless, heartless ruler of Mora.

But the man standing before her… was something else entirely.