Back at the market, Xiao Zhi and Kabil walked side by side. She laughed at one of his jokes, feeling a rare lightness amid the palace chaos.
"I didn't expect Tughril to feel like this," Xiao Zhi said, slowing her steps as she looked around. Lantern light spilled across the street, voices and laughter blending into the night. "When we came before, it was already lively… but this evening feels different. Brighter. Warmer."
Kabil followed her gaze and smiled. "That's because you're seeing it without rules or schedules this time," he said lightly. "There's more I could show you, but tonight, I just wanted you to enjoy it. No ceremony. No protocol. No boring lessons."
Xiao Zhi nodded, appreciating the gesture. She could use some distraction right now. She took a deep breath, letting the cool night air settle her nerves. For a fleeting moment, she let herself forget the recent dangers, the impending tragedy, and all the chaos of Tughril Palace.
For now, she let herself walk beside Kabil beneath the lantern lights, hiding the secret flutter in her chest and the tiny pang of worry that all of this might have just been the calm before the storm.
Little did Xiao Zhi, or even Kabil, know that a pair of eyes was watching them from afar. They were not eyes filled with schemes or suspicion, but ones clouded with jealousy and a quiet sadness.
***
Ruhan stood in the shadows behind one of the houses in the alley. Back in the palace, he was unable to shake off the image of his Princess Lian Zhi laughing beside his cunning stepbrother. So, he had decided to come to the market, telling himself he only wished to make sure she was safe. But deep inside, he knew that was only half the truth.
He watched them from a distance, jealousy tightening in his chest as he saw her laughing at Kabil's words. Yet beneath the sting was a quiet warmth, because she looked happy. He knew he could never have her, not as a servant, not even as a khan. Her fate was tied to Kabil, no matter what kind of man his stepbrother truly was.
"I'm sorry… I promised to protect you, but I couldn't," he murmured behind the wall. "For now… please be happy. Even if it's short-lived." His chest ached as the words left him.
He turned away, heading back toward the palace.
***
Meanwhile, Xiao Zhi began feeling tired from all the walking. Yes, she had enjoyed herself and had briefly forgotten her worries. But the thought of Ruhan kept drifting into her mind again and again. She couldn't take another step with Kabil while Ruhan's face kept appearing in her thoughts. She even swore she had caught a glimpse of him earlier in the crowd, but she told herself it was just her imagination.
"Prince Kabil, it's getting late now. Maybe we should return to the palace." She chose her words carefully, making sure she wouldn't offend him.
"Of course. Let's head back." Unexpectedly, he didn't seem upset that she had ended their date early.
Wait… was this even a date?
Her face warmed at the thought.
Kabil turned around and signaled the guard, who had been following them, to bring the carriage.
"You must be tired from our long walk. I had a carriage prepared to take us back."
At this point, Kabil was dangerously close to qualifying as the best fiancé in the history of tragic novels. He had surprised Xiao Zhi again and again with his unexpected kindness.
During the ride back, Kabil's gaze remained fixed on her, far too intense for her comfort. Xiao Zhi had to keep turning toward the window, pretending to admire the passing lights, just to hide her flustered cheek.
By the time they reached the palace, the ride felt longer than it should have. Kabil stepped down first and offered his hand, and she accepted it with a polite smile.
"Thank you for the lovely night," she said, preparing to head back to her quarters.
"Thank you for accompanying me. Sleep well." He smiled softly, then tucked a loose strand of her hair behind her ear.
Her heart skipped.
"We will be wed in two days. I can't wait to marry you."
Xiao Zhi's heart drummed wildly at the reminder. She wasn't sure why. Was it anticipation? The way he said it? His touch? Or was it the crushing reminder that she would soon marry someone she didn't know, someone she didn't love, while another person already occupied her heart?
She took a quick step back, bowing politely. "Good night, Prince Kabil." Then she walked toward her quarters, her mind a tangled mess.
This wasn't how a girl was supposed to feel after a romantic evening with her fiancé. She couldn't even name the emotion twisting through her right now.
And when she finally reached the hallway to her quarters, everything became worse.
There he was. The person who had occupied her thoughts all night stood waiting outside her door.
The moment she saw him, her steps slowed. "Ruhan?" she said softly. "What are you doing here?"
He looked up, as though he'd been caught pacing around her quarters. For a brief instant, something like relief crossed his face before he smoothed it away.
"Princess, you're back," he said, a faint smile touching his lips. "I was just… worried."
"Worried?"
"I heard you were unwell, so I came to check on you. But you weren't here."
"Ah…" She hesitated. "Prince Kabil took me to the city. He thought it might help me feel better."
Ruhan paused for a brief second. "I see. And… are you feeling any better?"
"Yes. A little," she answered honestly.
For some reason, saying it out loud made her chest tighten.
"That's good," he said after a moment, bowing slightly. "Then I won't disturb you any longer. Have a good night, Princess."
Xiao Zhi wanted to stop him.
She wanted to say more. Anything. To ask him to stay, even just for a moment. But the words tangled in her throat.
"Thank you," she said instead. "And… good night to you too, Ruhan."
He nodded once and turned away.
Xiao Zhi stood there long after he was gone, her hand resting against the door, wondering why his absence felt heavier than the quiet that followed.