Xin Ying could no longer sleep.
The dream clung to her like a cold hand around her heart—the blade, the pain, Li Hua's voice breaking as she reached for her.
That ending…
I can't let it happen.
At dawn, Xin Ying stood alone in the courtyard, gripping the wooden railing until her knuckles paled.
"This world is a story," she whispered. "And I know how it ends."
But knowing was not enough.
She had to change it.
Later that morning, Xin Ying was summoned to accompany the empress during her walk in the rear garden.
Li Hua wore plain robes today, her hair half-tied, expression softer than it ever was in court. The moment her eyes found Xin Ying, something warm flickered through them.
"You look tired," Li Hua said quietly.
"I'm fine," Xin Ying replied, bowing slightly.
Li Hua slowed her steps.
"…Xin Ying. Walk with me."
They moved beneath the shade of flowering trees. Guards kept their distance, far enough to give privacy, close enough to protect.
Xin Ying's heart pounded.
Say it.
Tell her.
"Your Majesty," Xin Ying began, then stopped.
Li Hua turned to her. "You don't speak to me like that when we're alone."
Xin Ying swallowed. "Li Hua."
That alone took courage.
"There is something I must tell you," Xin Ying said. "But if I speak of it… I may suffer consequences."
Li Hua's expression sharpened instantly. "Who threatens you?"
"No one," Xin Ying replied quickly. "It's… fate."
Li Hua frowned. "Fate?"
Xin Ying clenched her fists. "I've seen a future where you're in danger. A blade meant for your heart."
Li Hua stared at her.
The air seemed to still.
"How?" Li Hua asked slowly.
Xin Ying opened her mouth—
Pain exploded in her chest.
She gasped, dropping to one knee as blood welled up her throat. Her vision blurred.
"Xin Ying!" Li Hua cried, catching her before she fell.
Xin Ying coughed, red staining her sleeve.
"I—I can't say it clearly," she rasped. "Every time I try… it punishes me."
Li Hua's hands trembled as she held her. "Then don't speak. Don't force it."
Xin Ying shook her head weakly. "I just want to protect you."
Li Hua pressed her forehead against Xin Ying's. "Then live. That's how you protect me."
The pain eased—slowly, reluctantly—as Xin Ying stopped struggling against whatever invisible rule bound her tongue.
So this is the cost, Xin Ying thought bitterly.
Trying to change the plot.
That evening, Li Hua personally ordered Xin Ying to rest in her chambers.
When Xin Ying awoke, she found Li Hua seated beside her bed, reading quietly.
"You should be resting," Xin Ying said.
Li Hua closed the book. "So should you."
Their eyes met.
Silence stretched—soft, heavy, intimate.
Li Hua reached out, hesitating only a moment before taking Xin Ying's hand.
"I don't understand what binds you," Li Hua said, voice low.
"But I know this—when you're hurt, it feels like I am too."
Xin Ying's breath caught.
"In my world," Xin Ying whispered, "I was just a teacher. Ordinary. No power. No importance."
Li Hua squeezed her hand. "Here, you are extraordinary."
Xin Ying smiled faintly. "Then let me stay. Even if the ending is cruel."
Li Hua leaned forward, resting her forehead against Xin Ying's.
"No," she said firmly. "We'll rewrite it."
Their lips brushed—soft, hesitant, trembling with fear and hope.
Just once.
But it was enough to make Xin Ying's heart ache.
---
Beyond the inner chambers, the Palace stirred.
The three highest clans gathered in quiet agreement.
Wang Tianhua spoke first. "Ling Zhihao moves too boldly."
Zhang Shuqin nodded. "And Xin Ying stands directly in his path."
Li Yuetong folded her arms. "Then we protect her."
"And the empress," Wang Tianhua added.
Li Yuetong's gaze hardened. "Especially the empress. Send someone to spy on Ling Zhihao's plan of his."
No oaths were spoken.
None were needed.
From that day on, unseen guards shifted positions. Messages traveled faster. Ling Zhihao's reach met resistance he had not expected.
That night, Xin Ying stood by the window, watching the moon.
In the real world, she thought, I taught children how to read stories.
She smiled bitterly.
Now I'm trapped inside one… trying to survive its ending.
Behind her, Li Hua approached quietly and wrapped her arms around Xin Ying's waist.
"Thinking too much again," Li Hua murmured.
Xin Ying leaned back into her warmth.
"Just wondering," Xin Ying said softly, "if love can really change fate."
Li Hua kissed her temple.
"We'll find out together."
Outside, the moon hung silent.
And somewhere in the Palace, destiny began to tremble.
---
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