Fang ran after him, calling his name. When she tapped his shoulder, Syaoran blinked, as if waking from a trance.
"What happened, Syaoran? Why were you walking past me like I wasn't even there?"
He looked at her, worry carved deep into his features. Gently placing his hand on her shoulder, he said, "Fang… if anything ever happens to you, you have to tell me. Promise me you won't keep it from me."
Fang froze. Her heart pounded, fingers trembling. "Why are you being so emotional?"
"Just answer me," he said sharply, his eyes burning with more than just concern.
She held his gaze, voice soft. "I promise. If anything happens… I'll tell you."
He pulled his hand back, turned, and walked away as though carrying a burden too heavy to share.
Fang watched him go, whispering, "What's wrong with him lately?"
She took a step to follow but was suddenly blocked.
"Why are you wandering around?" Taio asked, arms crossed.
"I was following Syaoran—"
Taio raised an eyebrow.
"I mean, His Majesty," she corrected, flashing a grin.
He nodded but added, "You should speak with more respect to your elders."
Fang tilted her head. "How old are you exactly?"
"About nine hundred," Taio said proudly.
Fang burst out laughing. "Then I should respect you properly." She gave an exaggerated bow. "Good evening, Great-Grandfather."
"What—! That's not what I—!"
Before Taio could retort, the Queen approached.
Both of them bowed.
The Queen smiled, amused. "Taio, arguing with a child? She's just a delicate girl."
Taio groaned. "My Queen, she's far too clever for her age."
Fang chuckled as the Queen turned to her warmly. "Come, it's time for dinner."
At the grand dining hall, Fang paused at the threshold, unsure. It was all so royal, too luxurious.
The Queen noticed and nodded toward a maid, who gently led her inside.
Everyone had gathered, except Taio and Syaoran. Just then, the doors opened and both men entered.
"Apologies," Syaoran said softly. "We were delayed."
The Queen nodded and dinner began. While the others ate in silence, Syaoran stared at his plate, unmoving.
"Syaoran?" the Queen called gently.
He blinked as if returning from another world. "Yes? Sorry. What did you say?"
"Eat," she said simply.
He obeyed, picking at his food without interest.
Fang turned to the Queen. "My Queen, may I ask… how was His Majesty before I met him?"
Everyone turned to Syaoran, but he didn't even notice.
The Queen laughed softly. "He was always a king—stubborn, arrogant, disobedient."
Fang gasped dramatically. "Really? I thought he was serious and noble! But honestly… he's more like a clingy cat."
The Queen laughed even harder. "Tell me more."
"He obeyed me without protest. He cooked! At that time, I didn't even know he was a king."
Taio nudged Syaoran under the table. "If you don't stop her now, she'll bury your whole reputation."
Fang continued brightly, "And during the full moon—"
Before she could finish, Syaoran stood abruptly, picked up a piece of meat, and stuffed it into her mouth.
"Eat," he said with a forced smile. "That's enough."
Fang blinked, then gave him a playful thumbs-up.
The Queen and her maid stifled laughter while Taio shook his head, smiling.
—
After dinner, Syaoran and Fang walked through the moonlit gardens.
"I want to see the kingdom," Fang said. "Will you show me around?"
"I'm busy these days," he replied. "But two days from now, there's a festival. I'll take you then."
She smiled. "Where are we going now?"
"To your room," he said.
"My room?" she blinked. "But I've been staying in yours."
He said nothing and led her onward.
At the door, he gestured. "Open it."
Fang pushed the doors open and gasped. The room was beautiful—soft lighting, elegant decor, and a peaceful aura.
"Do you like it?" he asked.
"I do. But… it's not your room."
He tensed. "Why?"
"When I stayed in your room… I felt happy. Now you're sending me away. It feels lonely."
His chest tightened.
"You were a child then," he said quietly. "Now you've grown. It's inappropriate."
She tilted her head. "Inappropriate for you? Or is it because… you're in love with someone?"
Syaoran's heart nearly stopped. "You—! I—I don't like anyone!" he stammered. "Stop asking strange questions. Go to sleep!"
He turned and left, shutting the door behind him.
Fang stood on the other side, smiling softly.
Syaoran leaned against the wall, pressing a hand to his chest.
His heart wouldn't calm down.