Chapter 17 One step closer
We walk side by side in silence, the faint sound of cherry blossoms falling around us. The petals drift lazily, painting the air in shades of pink and white. If I were with someone else I might think this was romantic.
Instead, I'm on edge. Who knows what other tricks this guy has up his sleeve. I exhale when I see my quarters come into view.
"Since we are in the world of your book, what do you foresee happening next?" Jian's question breaks through the quiet.
I glance at him and quickly look away. It always hurts to look at him. His face is so classically handsome—sharp features, piercing eyes—but it's the carefulness about him, that unrelenting composure, that makes him feel utterly out of reach.
We pause just outside of my quarters, lingering next to a bench. When I sit, he sits beside me instead of leaving. He gives me a serious look while he waits for me to speak.
"Given your family's history of breaking the marital rules," I begin, trying to sound light, "the Celestial Court would like to punish you because of a certain beautiful and mysterious mortal living in your estate."
Judging from the way he talked about me to his sister, there has to be some piece of him that cares about me. I kick myself internally when his eyes lock onto mine. A muscle in his jaw tightens.
"Beautiful and mysterious?" He echoes, his voice low and teasing. "It seems their informants must really be paying attention to you."
My face flushes instantly. "It's their job to report important details like that," I say, trying to sound casual. "But there's a loophole.""
A loophole?" I catch the same glimmer of amusement he gets in his eyes when finds something interesting.
"Yes," I answer. "The Moon Emperor will want you to prove that I'm not a mortal. Willfully give me your pendant, and you'll be a hero for returning me home. The real Lady Sora will take her rightful place, and your family's name will be cleared. It's a win-win."
"And if that doesn't happen?" he asks softly, all traces of teasing gone. He leans towards me, his eyes searching mine. For a moment, I forget how to speak."Trust me," I reassure him. "I will."
He studies me, his expression unreadable.
"We will go to the Celestial Palace tomorrow," he says. "But if you don't truly go back home like you say you will, I don't know what will happen to you, Lilia."
The way he says my name sends a shiver down my spine. It's the first time he's used it, and the sound sends a shiver down my spine. There's something else in his gaze now, as if he's trying to memorize this moment.
I force a bright smile, though my chest feels impossibly tight. "Then it's a good thing everything will work out according to plan. It'll be as if I was never here. Just a temporary nuisance."
His eyes darken slightly at my words, but he says nothing.
Without waiting for a reply, I whirl around and rush toward my quarters. I can feel his gaze lingering on me, heavy and unyielding, even as I close the doors behind me.
The sound of bells return and everything stills.
"You are so close," the voice reassures me. "The Legendary General's trust is nearly to 100%."
Only then do I let myself exhale, leaning against the door as the realization crashes over me. I flip through the Webtoon, reviewing the parts I'd skimmed over when I didn't feel well. It's true.
This is the scene where Lady Sora realizes that under his cold exterior, the Jian has been protecting her all along. Even from himself - especially after that dessert incident.
The thought leaves me breathless, the weight of unspoken gratitude and regret pressing against my chest.