The Lantern Hall shimmered with soft gold light.
Silken curtains swayed gently as palace maids poured warmed wine into carved jade cups.
The scent of jasmine rice and roasted duck filled the air, mingling with the faint crackle of the brazier.
Lady Chen sat opposite the Emperor, her posture elegant, her smile perfectly measured — the kind that could melt hearts and conceal daggers all at once.
It had been weeks since they'd last dined together alone.
Tonight, she intended to remind him what they once were.
She lifted her cup, voice low and smooth. "It's been long since we ate together, Your Majesty. I almost forgot how you like your tea."
Zhao Rui gave a faint smile. "Still without sugar."
Her eyes warmed. "Just as I remembered."
She poured the tea herself, her fingers brushing his wrist deliberately as she set the cup before him.
For a while, they spoke softly — of the old palace gardens they used to sneak into as children, of stolen mooncakes and childish laughter.
