It was the darkest hour before dawn.

The palace was silent, covered in the soft silver light of the moon. The cold wind whispered through the ancient cherry blossom trees. In the far distance, three deep sounds of a bell echoed across the land - Dong... Dong... Dong. This bell always rang when the main palace gates were locked for the night.

But tonight, Princess Lianhua was not in her room.

Dressed in a simple dark blue cloak, her long hair tied loosely, she moved like a shadow through the silent halls of the palace. Her heart was beating fast.

She wasn't running away forever. She was chasing a secret.

Something her mother had whispered on her deathbed: "Lianhua, there is something hidden beyond the river in the Forbidden Woods. You must find it before it finds you."

Since then, Lianhua couldn't sleep. She needed answers. What was hidden there? Why was she warned?

As she reached the servant's gate, she stopped. A loyal maid, Meilin, was waiting with a lantern and a small pouch.

Meilin whispered, "Are you sure, Your Highness? If anyone sees you - "

"I am not a princess tonight," Lianhua said softly. "I am just a girl chasing truth."

Then she turned and disappeared into the night, not knowing that eyes were already watching her.

The forest was wild. Branches scratched her arms. She was tired, but she didn't stop.

And then, from behind a tree, she heard footsteps.

A sword flashed.

She turned fast, ready to fight.

But the man before her was not an enemy. He wore a cloak, too, and his face was half-covered. Only his eyes were visible - sharp, calm, golden-brown like the last sunlight before dusk.

"You're not from around here," he said quietly.

"I don't need your help," Lianhua replied coldly.

"But you're lost," he said, still calm.

He didn't ask her name. He didn't act surprised. But in truth, Prince Wei Shen had recognized her face. He had seen her once during a diplomatic meeting from afar. The daughter of the Azure Moon Queen.

He said nothing. He knew she didn't want to be found.

But he offered something else.

"There's danger here," he said. "Let me guide you through this place safely. After that, we part ways."

She hesitated.

Then nodded.

{to be continued...}