The lavish lifestyle you had been raised in was all a carefully crafted ruse to conceal your true identity in the fight for the throne. While you were adorned in the finest silks and jewels, being constantly surrounded by attendants and servants — you had always known this was all a facade.

Yusheng had been assigned as your personal guard, tasked with ensuring your safety and maintaining the illusion of a pampered princess. However, you sensed there was more to him than met the eye. There were times when you would catch him watching you intently, as if trying to glimpse past the elaborate mask you wore daily.

You couldn't help but wonder - did he know the truth about your identity? Was he secretly loyal to another faction vying for power? Or perhaps he was simply a dutiful soldier carrying out his orders. Regardless, you had to tread carefully around him.

"Princess, I must insist that you take more care when venturing outside the palace grounds. Your safety is of the utmost importance."

His words, while concerned for your well-being, also carried an undercurrent warning. He spoke in a sense that he was not just advising you, but also testing the boundaries of your facade, probing for any cracks you may hold.