When Yuelan’s servants arrived and took the young woman back to her carriage, Guangfeng escorted them and carried his younger sister. He put Liling in her own carriage and sent it off to the palace and turned to watch as the servants put  Yuelan in her carriage and left toward the Crystal Moon Residence. As the carriage disappeared into the distance, the prince thought about his interactions with her so far. Things seemed to be changing within him and he wanted to identify what it was.

At first it was just because her reactions to his teasing were so cute. Her cheeks would turn pink and puff out like origami balloons and she’d turn her face away so he could view her profile. Her pale skin, eyes that looked like they were made of fine, green jade, and raven black hair that seemed like it would feel like silk if he reached out to touch it. Then the emperor made her the way to obtain the title of crown prince. Guangfeng realized it would be a challenge to get her to accept him, but his older brothers were more materialistic and he had planned to convince her with his future plans rather than just wooing her.

When he’d seen her collapse from a fever he hadn’t been so upset, though he was frustrated that she wasn’t being given enough space by his brothers. It was why he hadn’t gone to visit her. He’d agreed not to use the maids he’d given her to spy on her, but he had people watching her residence. The near-constant presence of his two older brothers combined with his remembering that she had only just arrived in Longuo had kept him away. She must have been tired with no chance to rest.

Seeing her get angry with him earlier is what changed Guangfeng’s mind. This woman was strong, opinionated, and determined. She knew what she wanted and seemed like the type who could make sure she got it. Yuelan was kind to those who showed her kindness and respect and wasn’t afraid to tear off someone’s mask. From what Liling had said about the happenings at the cherry blossom viewing, Yuelan knew her own capabilities and couldn’t be coerced into something she knew she couldn’t do. This young woman deserved his respect, and even though he could see her anger, she hadn’t said anything to him at all about what was happening at his gathering that afternoon. She’d just taken Liling and left. The look of disdain in her eyes had made Guangfeng feel as though something had clawed his heart.

When Liling had burst in and then told him Yuelan was in danger Guangfeng knew his decision had been made. It was time to stop pretending.

The third prince sighed and told the teahouse’s manager that he was leaving and to inform the people attending his party. He got on his horse and headed for the imperial palace to inform his father of what had happened, but first he looked toward one of the guards on a horse beside him. “Have those three been placed in my dungeon?” he asked, his tone stern.

“They are on their way there now, Your Highness,” the guard answered promptly.

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“Good.” Guangfeng turned his attention to the road, dug his heels into the horse’s flanks and headed for the palace at full speed.

***

When Guangfeng walked into his father’s study he first noted that the damage Long He had done previously had all been repaired and the expensive desk replaced. He knelt in salute. “This son greets Father Emperor,” he said in a calm tone, acting as though he hadn’t just forced the eunuchs to let him in. “Son has something urgent to report.”

“What is it?” the emperor demanded in a grumpy voice. “We were busy with reports from our officials.”

“Son has just returned from rescuing Lady Long Yuelan after three men tried to kidnap her and Liling at Red Orchid Teahouse this afternoon,” Guangfeng explained, his voice still calm. “The perpetrators have been caught and placed in the dungeon in my Heping Palace. It seems the attackers were after Liling, but Lady Long pushed Liling out of the way and allowed her to get to safety by sacrificing herself. Fortunately, Liling was able to get word to me soon enough that I could rescue Lady Long before anything happened.”

The emperor stiffened and his face paled. “Does...does Long He know?” he asked.

“This son is unsure. I did not see Lord Long. It is possible he is elsewhere and does not yet know about what happened,” Guangfeng said honestly. He got to his feet and gave his father a serious look. “Son wishes to handle the investigation personally.”

The emperor’s eyes narrowed and he studied the determined look on Guangfeng’s face. “You have finally decided to reveal your true colors?”

Guangfeng smirked. “I have decided to be serious,” he replied. “Hiding behind a facade may protect me, but it won’t protect those I care for. I am strong enough now to defend myself from my enemies without needing the facade.” He paused, then added: “I also wish to handle the trouble in the south in place of Young General Chang. Liling should not have to postpone her wedding or send her husband off to war just after it.”

Two pairs of identical, dark eyes stared each other down, each gaging the other’s reaction. Finally, the emperor nodded. “We will grant your request. I will send gifts to thank Lady Long in the morning. Tomorrow we will announce you taking over the southern army in morning court. How is Lady Long?”

“A doctor I trust saw to her care. There won’t be any ill effects from the drug that was used and she has been taken to her home by some strong maids from her residence,” Guangfeng answered. “I have been assured there is no cause for concern.”

“Good, good...perhaps Lord Long will be lenient. It seems we neglected to have proper hidden guards assigned to her,” the emperor replied.

“I assigned Shadow to her,” Guangfeng informed the emperor. “This won’t happen again.” He saluted his father one last time. “If there is nothing else, this son will be heading back to his palace to begin the questioning.”

The emperor waved a hand. “Go. We will not keep you.”

Guangfeng left the imperial palace the same way he’d come, got on his horse, and headed for his own palace. When he arrived he left his horse to a servant and headed straight for the dungeons located beneath a false mountain in the gardens. His palm opened the door and he headed down the slightly damp stairs, his dark eyes hard.