Across the vast palace, Lin Rui stood by the tall window of his private chamber.
He had not slept. Not for a single second.
He was still wearing the heavy, dark robes from the night before. The faint scent of wine lingered in the fabric. And so did something else. Something softer…warmer. He knew what it was, but he refused to name it.
Lin Rui leaned forward, resting his forehead against the cold wooden frame of the window. He closed his eyes, hoping the darkness would bring him peace. But even with his eyes shut, the images of the night before played on the back of his eyelids like a nightmare he couldn't wake up from.
He was tired. But it was not from ruling the kingdom with its endless politics. Not even from the threats of the impending revolt. He was exhausted because of her.
