Unspoken Goodbyes

Chapter 26

Ping paced her chambers, her heart restless. It had been days since Ling and his army had left for battle, and the palace felt emptier without his presence. She told herself she wasn't worried, but her mind betrayed her with thoughts of him—of his piercing eyes, his strength, and the way he had looked at her before he left.

Mei entered the room with a tray of tea. "My lady, you should rest."

"I can't," Ping admitted. She walked to the window, staring out into the vast horizon. "There's been no news."

Mei hesitated before speaking. "Would you like to visit the temple? Many of the palace women go there to pray for the soldiers' safe return."

Ping considered this. She wasn't one to rely on prayers, but something deep inside her urged her to go. "Prepare the carriage," she finally said.

---

The temple was quiet, filled with the faint scent of burning incense. Ping knelt before the altar, closing her eyes.

Please… let him return safely.

As she stood, an unfamiliar voice spoke from behind her.

"I didn't think the queen would be one to pray for a monster."

Ping turned sharply, her eyes narrowing. Before her stood a woman dressed in fine silk, her smirk filled with malice.

"Who are you?" Ping asked coldly.

The woman stepped closer. "Someone who knows the truth about the Shadow King."

Ping's breath hitched. "What truth?"

The woman's smirk deepened. "That he's not the man you think he is."

Ping's heart pounded as she clenched her fists. She didn't know why, but something about this woman unsettled her.

And somehow, she knew—this was only the beginning.