The full moon slowly disappeared behind the mountains as the soft light of dawn began to brighten the sky. Though the night air was still chilly, a sense of calm began to settle in Lang Huan's heart. Her blue eyes, which had been glowing in the dark, gradually faded back to their natural color.
She leaned forward and gently nuzzled into the side of Feng Yao's neck. A soft floral scent lingered on Feng Yao's skin, soothing Lang Huan's nerves.
Soon, they arrived at a large inn on the edge of the city. The building stood tall and graceful, with lanterns still glowing faintly under the eaves. Lang Huan quickly dismounted from Xiao Bai and turned to help Feng Yao down.
As she looked around for someone to take care of Xiao Bai, she spotted a stable boy nearby. But the moment the boy laid eyes on the massive white wolf—tall and proud like a warhorse—his face turned pale, and he ran away in fright.
Feng Yao chuckled softly. "We should ask for a private space for Xiao Bai. He's too big. No wonder people are scared."
Lang Huan nodded and patted Xiao Bai's head. "Wait here for a bit."
She stepped inside the inn and walked up to the front counter. "Two rooms, and one private space for our pet," she said, pointing toward the giant white wolf outside.
The innkeeper leaned forward to take a look. When he saw Xiao Bai, his jaw dropped in shock. But business was business. After a short pause, he told her the price.
Lang Huan reached for her belt—but her hand froze in mid-air. She blinked in surprise, suddenly realizing something: she didn't have any money. A Cai had always handled things like that.
She scratched her head, a little embarrassed.
From a quiet corner of the inn, a beautiful woman had been watching the whole scene. The moment she saw the white wolf, she recognized Lang Huan. This was the person who had once saved her from being kidnapped by the Second Prince. Lang Huan might not remember her, but she could never forget that day.
The woman stepped forward and smiled warmly as she approached the counter. "I'm the owner of this inn," she said kindly. "Handsome brother, there's no need to pay. You once saved me when I was kidnapped by Feng Tianhao. Please let me repay your kindness in this small way."
Lang Huan's face lit up with joy. Her good deed had come back to help her just when she needed it. She was grateful. She couldn't let the Eldest Princess sleep in a broken-down house or abandoned temple.
She smiled kindly. "That's already more than enough for me. Thank you, beautiful sister," she said, not noticing the way the woman—who introduced herself as Wan Bi—was gently touching her shoulder in a playful, flirtatious way.
From behind, Feng Yao had been watching everything with sharp eyes.
Her gaze narrowed, and she pressed her lips together. Without saying a word, she walked up beside Lang Huan and slipped her arms around hers, pulling herself close. Her face was calm, but her eyes were cold as she looked at Wan Bi.
"There's no need for your help," Feng Yao said coldly. "Please prepare one large room for me and my husband. We'll also need hot water and new clothes for both of us. And one extra room for the white wolf outside."
Lang Huan blinked. Husband? She swallowed hard, surprised, but didn't say anything. Maybe the Eldest Princess had a reason for saying that. She didn't realize Feng Yao was actually jealous.
Without waiting for a reply, Feng Yao pulled a golden hairpin from her hair and placed it firmly on the counter.
The innkeeper's eyes widened. "This hairpin alone could pay for every room in this inn... for months."
Wan Bi hesitated, clearly uncomfortable. "I... I can't accept this—"
She glanced at Feng Yao and studied her carefully. It was easy to guess that this elegant woman with a calm and untouchable aura, came from a powerful background.
But Feng Yao didn't give her the chance to say more. Without a word, she turned and walked away.
Lang Huan followed the inn servant to take Xiao Bai to his private space behind the building. When she returned, Feng Yao immediately grabbed her hand and held it tightly, making it clear to everyone that Lang Huan belonged to her. Together, they followed the servant upstairs to their room.
Back at the counter, the innkeeper scratched his head in confusion. "Didn't he ask for two rooms earlier? Why is it suddenly husband and wife?"
Wan Bi folded her arms and gave a faint smile—but said nothing.
---
When they arrived at the inn room, Lang Huan paused at the doorway. She hesitated, as if something was stopping her from stepping inside.
Feng Yao glanced at her with a sharp tone. "What's wrong? Don't want to come in? Or are you looking for your 'beautiful sister'?"
Lang Huan blinked, confused at first—then it hit her. Beautiful sister? Oh no. She remembered what she'd said to Wan Bi earlier. She hadn't meant anything by it, just a kind thank-you… but now, it sounded completely wrong.
"Ah… no. Your Highness, please go in first," she said awkwardly, stepping aside. "I'll wait for the clean clothes and hot water."
Just then, another inn servant arrived with a large bucket of steaming water and a stack of new clothes. Lang Huan quickly took them and politely handed them over to Feng Yao.
"Your bath is ready. Please go first," she said with a soft smile.
Feng Yao said nothing. Still clearly upset, she entered the bathing room in silence. When she returned, she was dressed in clean robes and sat quietly at the low table. She began to write, her eyes fixed on the paper, completely ignoring Lang Huan.
But Lang Huan knew she was sulking—and couldn't resist teasing her. She leaned in playfully and said, "Your Highness, please don't peek at me while I bathe~"
Feng Yao shot her a sharp glare. Lang Huan quickly ran into the bathing room, laughing under her breath.
Later, when she stepped out, the room suddenly felt warmer.
Across the room, Feng Yao was reclining on a low couch, sipping wine. Her eyes immediately locked onto Lang Huan.
Damp hair hung loose around her shoulders, and her cheeks were still flushed from the hot water. She wore only a plain white middle garment, with a towel draped around her neck. A few drops of water slid down her skin, tracing the curve of her face.
A teasing smile curved on the Eldest Princess's lips. She raised one eyebrow, then gently patted the space beside her. "Come sit."
Lang Huan walked over, feeling a little nervous. Feng Yao's eyes followed her closely—it felt like they were burning into her skin.
She sat down quietly, until her eyes landed on the sight before her.
The Eldest Princess was wearing only a thin gauze robe, half open. Beneath it, a red phoenix-embroidered bellyband hugged her chest, and the outline of her undergarments was visible through the sheer fabric.
Lang Huan felt her face heat up. She lifted a hand to fan herself, trying to calm the racing in her chest.
Feng Yao leaned in, close enough for Lang Huan to feel the warmth of her breath. That soft, dangerous smile never left her lips.
With slow, graceful movements, Feng Yao shifted forward and knelt astride Lang Huan's lap. Her knees rested on either side, while her loosened robe draped softly between them. One hand came to rest gently on Lang Huan's shoulder.
Lang Huan didn't know where to put her hands. Her whole body was tense. Her eyes met Feng Yao's, and all that could be heard was the sound of their heartbeats and breaths.
"Too hot?" Feng Yao whispered, brushing a single fingertip across the droplet of water on Lang Huan's cheek.
Every movement Feng Yao made was like slow, burning torture.