A New Beginning

Chapter 50

With Xia's departure, the palace felt lighter, and for the first time in a long while, Ping found herself truly at ease. The weight of jealousy and uncertainty had faded, replaced by something warmer—something she finally understood as love.

The morning air was crisp as Ping walked through the royal gardens. The flowers were in full bloom, their vibrant colors painting a breathtaking scene. She hadn't realized how much she missed simple, peaceful moments like this.

"Enjoying the view?"

She turned to find Ling standing behind her, arms crossed, watching her with amusement. His silver hair was slightly tousled by the breeze, making him look effortlessly handsome.

"It's beautiful," Ping admitted, glancing back at the garden.

Ling stepped beside her. "It is, but not as beautiful as you."

Ping felt her cheeks warm, but she refused to look at him. "You've been saying such things a lot lately."

"Because they're true," he said smoothly.

They stood in comfortable silence for a moment before Ling spoke again. "Now that things have settled, I was thinking… we should take a trip."

Ping turned to him in surprise. "A trip?"

Ling nodded. "Just the two of us. Away from the palace, away from responsibilities. You've been through a lot, and I think you deserve to see the world beyond Mora."

Her heart skipped a beat at the thought. "Where would we go?"

"Anywhere you want."

Ping smiled softly, feeling a sense of excitement she hadn't felt in a long time. A journey with Ling, just the two of them—it sounded like a dream.

"Then let's go," she said.

Ling took her hand in his, squeezing gently. "Then it's decided."

For the first time in forever, everything felt right.

.