Rui settled onto the stone bench, the willow branches creating a curtain around them.
Shen sat beside her, his posture perfect as always, but his eyes gentle.
"Well, let's just say…," Rui began, her fingers tracing patterns on the smooth stone.
"There was once a princess from a powerful kingdom. She was... not the most diligent princess."
A smile tugged at the corner of Shen's mouth.
"I find this story strangely familiar."
"Hush," Rui scolded, but her eyes softened.
"One day, this princess went on an unexpected adventure, and during her journey, she met two very different men."
The willow branches swayed in a gentle breeze, casting dappled shadows across their faces.
Rui continued, her voice growing softer.
"The princess felt an instant connection with the first man—like fate had bound them together."
"But the second man had always been there, loving her quietly for so long she never truly saw it."
