The morning sun had barely risen when Yuan stepped into the royal gardens, hoping the quiet paths would help settle his nerves. The last few days had been a storm—Princess Lian lurking near his chambers, Princess Ming speaking to him with far too much interest, and Jian suddenly becoming the only person he felt safe around. It was confusing and comforting at the same time, and Yuan despised how aware it made him of every small gesture Jian offered.
He stopped beneath a peach tree, brushing fallen petals from his sleeves, when servants carrying baskets hurried past him. Their hushed whispers traveled faster than their steps. Yuan caught only fragments—"the crown prince…" and "…with a court lady?"—but it was enough to curl unease in his stomach. He followed the path deeper into the garden, unsure why he cared. It wasn't his business. Yet he found himself walking toward Jian's favorite pavilion.
