The palace corridors were bathed in the soft glow of lanterns, casting long shadows as Xia Wei leisurely strolled through the quiet night air. Her fingers idly played with the silk sash of her robe, a satisfied smirk tugging at her lips.

Her first move had been a complete success.

The Crown Prince, Li Xuan, had spent the entire afternoon watching her retreating figure, his usually indifferent expression betraying a rare flicker of… something.

Curiosity?

Frustration?

It didn’t matter.

As long as he wasn’t ignoring her anymore.

“Young Miss, are you sure it’s safe to wander the palace at night?” Xiao Cui whispered worriedly beside her.

Xia Wei smiled. “Are you afraid of ghosts?”

“N-no! I’m afraid of trouble!”

Xia Wei laughed softly, flicking the girl’s forehead. “Relax. I’m just taking a walk.”

And perhaps… letting fate play into her hands.

—

Meanwhile, in the Crown Prince’s Study

Li Xuan sat at his desk, his fingers tapping against the smooth surface as he absentmindedly skimmed through a report.

His mind was elsewhere.

More specifically, it was occupied by a certain infuriating woman.

Xia Zhiwei.

Or rather—the new Xia Zhiwei.

Something about her had changed.

She wasn’t the loud, clingy fool he had grown used to ignoring. She wasn’t throwing herself at him, demanding his attention, or making a spectacle of herself to impress him.

She had simply… walked away.

For years, he had been so certain that her affections were unwavering. That no matter how much he dismissed her, she would always come back, desperate for his love.

But today, she hadn’t.

Today, she had looked at him as if he were a mere acquaintance.

Today, she had left without hesitation.

And now, he couldn’t stop thinking about it.

“Your Highness,” a guard announced from the doorway, bowing deeply. “Lady Xia was seen walking toward the Moonlit Pavilion.”

Li Xuan’s fingers stilled.

Moonlit Pavilion?

That place was known for its secluded beauty, a favorite spot for noble gatherings… and an easy place for rumors to spread.

His jaw tightened. Was she meeting someone?

Before he could think twice, he stood up and strode out the door.

—

Moonlit Pavilion

Xia Wei leaned against the ornate railing, gazing up at the moonlit sky.

The soft rustling of leaves signaled someone’s approach, and a slow, amused smile spread across her lips.

Right on time.

“My, my. What brings Your Highness here so late?”

Li Xuan stepped into the light, his expression unreadable. “Shouldn’t I be asking you that?”

Xia Wei turned, tilting her head playfully. “Am I not allowed to enjoy the night air?”

He frowned. “Alone?”

“I’m not alone,” she replied, gesturing to Xiao Cui, who quickly bowed. “Besides, who would dare harm me in the palace?”

His frown deepened.

There it was again—that unsettling calmness.

The Xia Zhiwei he knew would have jumped at the chance to be alone with him. She would have giggled, blushed, and tried to prolong their conversation.

Instead, she was standing there, unbothered.

As if he were the one seeking her out.

His gaze darkened. Why did that bother him?

“…Are you feeling unwell?” he finally asked.

Xia Wei blinked. “Oh? Your Highness is concerned for me?”

He stiffened. “I only asked because you’ve been acting strangely.”

Xia Wei smiled sweetly. “How so?”

“You’re…” He hesitated. “Different.”

Her eyes twinkled. “Do you dislike it?”

Li Xuan opened his mouth to answer—but found that he had none.

Did he dislike it?

He had always found her presence irritating, but now…

Now, he was the one seeking her out.

And she—

She was slipping away.

Xia Wei watched the flicker of hesitation in his eyes, her heart pounding in satisfaction.

Hook, line, and sinker.

—End of Chapter 3— Sky~