A Restless Heart

Chapter 29

Despite her attempts to avoid him for the rest of the day, Ping found herself pacing in her chamber, unable to shake the feeling of warmth from earlier. The way she had hugged Ling—so naturally, so desperately—kept replaying in her mind.

Why did she do that? What came over her?

She groaned, pressing her palms to her face. Mei had seen it. The guards had seen it. He had seen it. And worse, Ling had smirked, as if he had expected her to break first.

A knock on the door made her jump. Mei entered with a cautious smile.

"My lady, the king has bathed and eaten. He seems to be in good spirits."

Ping swallowed, pretending not to care. "That's good. He should rest after traveling for so long."

Mei hesitated. "He's asked to see you."

Her stomach flipped.

She took a deep breath. She was the queen. She had no reason to feel nervous about seeing her own husband.

When she entered his chamber, the first thing she noticed was how different he looked. He was no longer wearing his heavy armor, just a simple dark robe. His long hair was damp from the bath, resting loosely over his shoulders.

He looked relaxed—but his sharp eyes were focused entirely on her.

"You called for me?" she asked, keeping her voice steady.

Ling sat on the edge of his bed, tilting his head slightly. "I did. Sit."

She hesitated before moving to the chair near the window.

"I wasn't expecting a warm welcome from you today," he said, his voice smooth yet teasing.

Ping crossed her arms. "You nearly died in battle. It was natural to—" She stopped herself before saying something too revealing.

"To worry?" he finished for her.

She looked away. "To be concerned for the well-being of the king."

He smirked. "Of course."

Silence filled the room, but it wasn't uncomfortable. It was the kind of silence that spoke more than words.

Ling sighed, leaning back against the bed. "It's been a long journey. I should rest."

Ping stood, eager to escape. "Yes, you should."

As she turned to leave, his voice stopped her.

"Will you stay?"

Her breath caught. She turned slightly, meeting his gaze. It wasn't playful this time—it was raw, genuine.

She should say no. She should walk away.

But instead, she nodded. "Just for a little while."

Ling's lips curved into the smallest smile before he closed his eyes.

And as Ping sat by the window, watching over him, she finally admitted to herself—she had missed him more than she ever thought possible.