first meet
Unexpected Encounter
The street festival blurred around me—voices, lights, laughter—but I felt none of it. I stood still in the middle of it all, cloaked in my thoughts. Why don't I feel beautiful tonight? The question clung to my heart like damp silk.
Then suddenly—
A hand gripped mine.
I gasped as a boy appeared, seemingly from the shadows. His gaze was sharp, piercing through me as though he'd been looking for me all along.
> "What—?"
Before the word left my lips, he yanked me into a narrow alley, pressing me against the stone wall, his palm covering my mouth. I struggled, twisting beneath his grip—but he was stronger, and frighteningly calm.
The street behind us had changed—chaotic, urgent. Dozens of people rushed past the alley, swords unsheathed, eyes hardened with purpose.
I froze.
> Who is he hiding me from… or with?
His face hovered inches from mine. I could feel his breath—warm, steady.
> "How can someone be so beautiful?" he whispered, as if he were confessing a sin.
> "Mmmph!? What the—?!" I tried to scream, but his hand muffled the words.
His expression didn't change. He only stared harder.
> "I need you," he breathed.
My heart pounded.
Suddenly, he dragged me backward—through a half-open door, into a dimly lit room. A bed loomed behind me. Before I could react, he pushed me down onto it, his weight shifting over mine.
> "Don't worry…" his voice dropped to a low murmur, "I'll take responsibility."
His lips brushed mine.
CRACK!
I grabbed the closest thing—a wooden tray—and slammed it against his head. His body went still, then crumpled beside me.
I didn't wait to check if he was breathing.
I ran.
Out the door, through the crowd, across the city—
I ran until my legs gave out and my lungs burned.
Return to the Kingdom
Two days later, I stood at the gates of my homeland. My clothes were travel-worn, my hair tangled from the road, but the sight before me stole my breath.
Towering golden spires. Banners fluttering in the breeze. The warm scent of jasmine trees that lined the palace path. The sound of bells and familiar voices echoing through the streets.
Home.
Servants and citizens alike rushed forward with wide eyes and joyful shouts.
> "The princess has returned!"
Hugs, questions, tears—I smiled and greeted them all, hiding the shadows behind my eyes.
The rest of the day blurred into courtyards and corridors. Friendly faces. Familiar voices. It almost felt like the nightmare never happened.
Almost.
The Next Day – The Grand Hall
I stepped into the palace's great hall, dressed in a flowing blue robe that shimmered like starlight. My hair was braided high, a symbol of my return.
The marble beneath my feet gleamed. Crystal chandeliers cast golden light across the royal crest behind the throne.
And there—standing just beside my father—was him.
The boy from the alley.
No bruises. No guilt. Just a disarming smile on his face like nothing had happened.
My breath hitched.
His gaze met mine with a flicker of recognition… and something darker. Something unreadable.
I didn't let myself flinch. I held my head high and turned to my father.
> "Greetings, Father. It's been so long… I'm glad to be home."
King Xiao Tianlong stepped forward, regal as ever, his voice warm.
> "My daughter, my star… finally, you've returned."
He pulled me into an embrace, but my eyes remained fixed on the boy beside him.
Who is he? And what game is he playing… here, in my palace?