She was beautiful. Objectively, undeniably beautiful. The kind of beauty that was meant to grace the throne beside an emperor. Regal. Perfect.
He felt nothing looking at her.
Not like Su Yan, something whispered in his mind. Su Yan with her foreign features and her earnest eyes and the way she blushes when…..
His face heated.
"Your Highness." Princess Liling sank into a graceful bow, her movements fluid as flowing water. "This humble princess greets the Crown Prince. It has been too long since we last met."
"Princess Liling." Yifeng's voice was courteous and diplomatic. "Welcome to the palace. We are honored by your presence."
She rose, and her eyes were knowing. They had met before, years ago, when she was barely fourteen and he sixteen. A diplomatic visit. She had declared even then that she would marry him someday.
At the time, he had found it amusing.
Now it felt like a trap closing around his throat.
