When Jordan returned to the room, he found Chyna fast asleep on the bed.
The soft sunlight spilling through the curtains illuminated her peaceful face, making her look almost unreal.
Somehow, during her sleep, she had kicked the quilt away and curled slightly into herself on the large bed.
Jordan couldn't help smiling.
"What am I supposed to do with you?" he muttered softly.
Carefully, he pulled the quilt back over her before sitting beside her on the bed.
His fingers brushed gently against her cheek as he admired her sleeping face.
"How do I tell you?" he whispered absentmindedly.
He was so lost in thought that he didn't notice Chyna slowly opening her eyes.
"You can tell me anything," she said softly.
Jordan blinked in surprise and immediately pulled his hand away.
"Oh… you're awake."
"Just now," she answered sleepily before sitting up slightly. "But I still want to know what you were talking about."
Jordan hesitated briefly.
Then—
"Are you hungry? Let's go eat lunch."
Chyna immediately frowned.
Seriously?
He's changing the topic again?
Annoyance instantly filled her chest.
"Fine then," she snapped while standing up. "Don't tell me anything. I don't even want to know anymore."
She turned to leave.
But before she could take another step, Jordan grabbed her wrist and pulled her backward.
Chyna stumbled slightly and fell onto him.
"Jordan!"
"Please listen to me first," he said quietly. "And don't get angry no matter what I say."
The seriousness in his eyes made her pause.
Slowly, she nodded.
Jordan exhaled softly before speaking.
"My birthday celebration is in three days."
Chyna blinked.
"My parents are organizing a royal party and they want me there."
"So what's the problem?" she asked.
Jordan looked away briefly before continuing carefully.
"They plan to use the event to introduce potential brides to me."
Silence.
Chyna stared at him.
"…Oh."
Jordan watched her expression carefully.
"So," he continued cautiously, "since you apparently don't have a problem with that…"
His lips twitched slightly.
"…where would you prefer to stay? Here with the shadow guards, or will you come with me to the celebration?"
Chyna's expression immediately changed.
"And if you don't want to come," he added teasingly while pretending to move away from her, "I won't force you."
"Wait!" she blurted out instantly.
Jordan paused dramatically.
"Yes?"
"Who said I don't have a problem with it?" she demanded angrily.
Jordan turned back toward her slowly.
"Oh?"
"I said," she continued stubbornly, "where exactly did you get the idea that I wouldn't come with you?"
A victorious smile slowly spread across Jordan's face.
"So you do want to come?"
"Obviously!" Chyna exclaimed. "I'm not about to let some spoiled princess steal you away from me."
The words escaped before she could stop herself.
The second she realized what she had just admitted, her eyes widened.
Jordan, meanwhile, looked completely delighted.
"Good," he answered softly. "Because you're already the one who owns my heart."
Chyna's face immediately burned.
"T-That's enough," she muttered quickly while escaping from his arms. "Let's go eat before the food gets cold."
She hurried toward the door while Jordan watched her with endless amusement.
"You never fail to amaze me, my darling Yna," he murmured while fixing his slightly wrinkled shirt.
Meanwhile, Chyna internally panicked the entire walk toward the dining hall.
What is wrong with me?!
She covered her burning face briefly.
Did I just indirectly confess to him?
Her heartbeat quickened.
But if I didn't say anything, one of those perfect princesses might actually steal him away…
Her thoughts were interrupted when someone suddenly called out—
"My Lady."
Chyna immediately looked up.
"Leon!"
Leon smiled warmly at her.
"Yes, Princess."
Chyna hurried toward him.
"I was so worried about you," she said apologetically. "I'm sorry I didn't visit earlier. Things have been… complicated."
Leon shook his head reassuringly.
"It's alright, Milady."
"How are you feeling now?" she asked quickly. "Are you fully recovered?"
Leon laughed softly.
"Slow down, Princess. You're still as energetic as ever."
Chyna smiled sheepishly.
"I'm doing much better now," Leon continued. "I've even started training with the shadow guards again."
Chyna looked relieved.
"That's good."
Leon hesitated briefly before speaking again.
"There's actually something I've been wanting to ask."
"Go ahead."
"How exactly are you related to Prince Jordan?" he asked carefully. "Who is he really?"
Chyna opened her mouth to answer—
But another voice interrupted her.
"Oh? And what exactly are we discussing here?"
Jordan approached them with an amused smile on his face.
Leon immediately bowed respectfully.
"Your Highness."
"I was only asking because I am responsible for the princess's safety," Leon explained carefully.
Jordan nodded approvingly.
"Fair enough." He crossed his arms lightly. "At least you take your duty seriously."
Then he added calmly:
"My name is Crown Prince Jordan of Dacria."
Leon's eyes widened slightly.
"And this," Jordan continued proudly, "is my palace."
Leon nodded slowly before asking another question.
"Then… if I may ask, what exactly is your relationship with the princess?"
Jordan's lips curved into a smug smile instantly.
"Well," he answered smoothly, "I am her future husband."
Chyna nearly choked.
"Jordan!"
"her prince charming, actually," he corrected confidently.
Chyna immediately turned toward Leon in panic.
"What he means," she said quickly, "is that he's my savior."
Jordan looked deeply offended.
"That's a terrible downgrade."