Suddenly, there was a knock at the door. My body stiffened as a palace guard called for me from the other side, but I ignored it. Mei, on the other hand, began pushing me away in a panic. "Cheng, let go," she said, struggling in my arms. "Can't you hear him? What if he comes in and sees us like this?" "I don't care," I replied, my lips brushing her ear. "Tell me you forgive me, that's all I need. I won't let go until you do." I knew I was taking a risk, a huge one, if we were seen like this, there would be consequences. But losing Mei would be the bigger risk, the one I couldn't take. I couldn't let her slip away. "I just need to hear you forgive me, mei. That's all I need right now." The guard knocked again, calling my name, and Mei struggled harder. "Cheng, please," she said, her voice cracking under the strain. But I didn't budge. Finally she muttered, "Fine. I forgive you." "I forgive you, you crazy jerk." "You really mean that?" I asked, my voice barely audible. She nodded, exasperated, and only then did I release her. Just as I did, the door swung open, and I barely had time to step back before the palace guard entered, the guard rushed in, his face pale with worry. It was a close call. too close, but I didn't care.  Mei flinched at the intrusion, but quickly composed herself, stepping away from me to a more respectable distance. The guard, wide-eyed and clearly flustered, fell to his knees in a bow. "My deepest apologies, Your Highness. I called for you several times but received no reply. I entered out of concern, fearing the worst." I glanced at Mei, but she wouldn't meet my eyes. She simply gave the guard one last look and walked out, leaving the room without a word. I let out a long, exhausted sigh, running a hand through my hair, still reeling from everything that had just happened. Turning back to the guard, I motioned for him to stand. "Get up"  "And next time, don't enter my room without permission."  In a world inspired by imperial China, the story follows Crown Prince Cheng, who faces a pretty intense struggle from birth; cursed with a chaotic spirit that strikes him at the worst times leaving him vulnerable and casting doubt on his ability to one day rule. As the Emperor ages, the whispers in the court grow louder, can Cheng really take the throne? His only true ally is Meiying, a young woman who's spent years secretly training to become a martial arts master. But when she finally returns home, she's met with devastation- her home destroyed and her family gone. Author’s Note This story is a work of fiction, entirely created from my imagination. Any resemblance to real people, events, or places is purely coincidental. I have made every effort to craft a compelling narrative, but I acknowledge that some scenes or details may be inaccurate or unintentionally offensive. For this, I sincerely apologize. My intention is to entertain and inspire, not to harm or misrepresent. Thank you for your understanding.