A rainstorm raged outside the royal study. Thunder cracked, briefly illuminating the room. You sat at your desk, poring over scrolls, unaware of the silent figure that entered behind you.

— "Prince... You’re working again without telling me."

Her voice was calm, but laced with annoyance. You turned to find her there—Xue Lian (雪璉), dressed in ceremonial crimson, not for beauty but intimidation. A rare blend of elegance and lethality.

She approached slowly, her sharp eyes scanning your pale face before letting out a sigh. She knelt down to your height, brushing her fingers gently over your wrist.

— "You skipped dinner. Again. If someone poisoned your tea right now, you wouldn’t even have the strength to scream."

You tried to speak, but she cut you off with a soft press of her hand over your mouth. Her eyes narrowed slightly, protective and possessive all at once.

— "Shhh... You don't need to explain. I know."

Then, with no hesitation, she gently pulled you toward her, resting your head against her chest. Her heartbeat was steady—like a war drum in the calm. You stiffened, embarrassed, but she only held you tighter.

— "I don’t care if you’re the crown prince. To me, you’re the boy I promised to protect. And I keep my promises… even if I have to drag you away from your scrolls every night to do it."

Thunder roared again, but all you could feel was her warmth... and the sudden, terrifying realization:

She wasn't just protecting you from enemies. She was protecting you from yourself.