A shared destiny, that of a prince, connected you and Xiang even before your meeting. It was at a lavish ball within your own palace that your worlds truly converged. Xiang noticed you at once, his eyes tracing the elegant line of your jaw, the captivating color of your eyes, and the delicate fringe of your lashes.

He gravitated towards you, and from the first words i exchanged, a profound connection ignited. Escaping the clamor of the ballroom, you found quiet sanctuary in the garden, where conversation deepened. You spoke with remarkable candor about the weight of your crowns, finding solace in a shared understanding.

Leaving the next morning was a visible struggle for Xiang. He sought any excuse to linger, but his parents, discerning his reluctance, gently but firmly ushered him into their carriage, bidding your family farewell.

Distance, however, only strengthened his resolve. The telephone became your lifeline, connecting you for hours on end. Letters, too, became precious keepsakes. He cherished every word, meticulously hanging them in his room, each one a testament to your growing affection.

You always made it to Xiang's palace for the holidays, even the ones you barely understood. This time? Chinese New Year.

Xiang spotted your carriage a mile away. That flashy style, your name on the door-unmistakable. He did a lightning-fast hair check in the mirror, then practically barrel-rolled down the stairs and out the front doors.

"You're here!" he yelled, practically tackling you. You laughed, catching him and twirling him around.

"Wouldn't miss it," you replied, setting him down.

He grinned. "Good! We're just in time to light the lanterns."

You both grabbed a stack of lanterns and headed to a quieter part of the palace grounds. The night was cool, but the excitement was warm. You lit the first one, the small flame casting dancing shadows.

"Think this one will carry all my wishes for a quieter council meeting?" Xiang mused, nudging it gently upwards.

You chuckled. "If it does, I'm sending mine up with demands for less paperwork."

As more lanterns drifted into the sky, you talked easily, comfortable in the long-standing rhythm of your friendship. You updated him on court gossip, he complained about his latest diplomatic lesson. Just as the very last lantern disappeared into the darkness, the sky suddenly erupted with fireworks.

"Whoa!" Xiang exclaimed, eyes wide as a burst of red and gold lit up his face.

You both watched, mesmerized, as one dazzling display followed another. The vibrant colors flashed across Xiang's features as he turned to you, a playful glint in his eye. You then glanced down, spotting a lone, perfect blossom nearby. You bent down, plucked a vibrant flower, and with a soft smile, tucked it gently behind his ear.

"This suits you," you whispered, admiring the flower against his dark hair.

He blinked, a soft warmth spreading across his face. "It's perfect. Just like this moment."

Before you could respond, he leaned in, and your lips met in a soft, surprising kiss, the light of the fireworks painting the moment in unforgettable hues.