With Yixing’s return to the imperial palace, everything seemed to return to normal. Every morning after Feiyan woke up and dressed for the day, she was always greeted by a warmly smiling Yixing who was, without fail, standing outside her door waiting for her. As soon as she stepped out of her door, Yixing would fall into step next to her and they would spend the rest of the day together. It didn’t matter to Feiyan what she would be doing; as long as Yixing was with her, she was happy. Before long, the annual lantern festival arrived, and Feiyan was allowed to leave the palace to take part in the festivities as long as Yixing was by her side.

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Yixing

Yixing waited patiently outside the princess’s door as she prepared for the lantern festival. A smile of relief turned up the corners of his lips as he thought back on the piece that had resettled over his life in the past days. The princess was no longer mad at him, all misunderstandings had been cleared, and perhaps finally things could return to the way they had been before. At the same time though, Yixing couldn’t help but think back to Princess Sarnai’s promise before they had parted ways. If he really was the lost prince...Yixing shook his head to clear the thought away.

We’ll cross that bridge when we get there, Zhang Yixing.

“Yixing?” Princess Feiyan’s voice drew his attention, and Yixing froze as he turned to greet his mistress.

Wow…

Yixing had seen the princess dressed in a variety of outfits, from the most simple royal daily clothing to the elaborate outfits saved for greeting visiting royalty and formal celebrations. But today...Yixing felt his heart skip a beat as he looked at the princess. Tonight, she had chosen a dress made from rich golden red fabric decorated with small birds. The fabric flowed fluidly over her body and rippled in the wind with every movement she made. Her hair had been released from its usual headdress, and instead half had been tied up behind her head in a neat braid while the rest flowed freely down her back. A light pink flower sat clipped to her hair to finish off the ensemble, small pearls glittering along with it in the moonlight. In short, it was…

Beautiful.

“Yixing?” Princess Feiyan’s voice drew him from his reverie, and Yixing blinked as he realized the princess was gazing up at him.

“Does it look strange?” She asked, “You’re staring.” Yixing quickly shook his head.

“No, My Lady.” He responded, “You look beautiful.” Princess Feiyan beamed at the compliment, and Yixing felt his heart skip a beat again.

What’s wrong with me?

“Well then, let’s get going!” Princess Feiyan declared, “The festival isn’t going to wait!” Yixing smiled and followed dutifully beside his mistress as she hurried for the door. Princess Feiyan tilted her head up towards the sky and laughed in delight as they headed out of the palace, and Yixing felt his heart grow warm at the sight of her smile.

My Lady, please always be this happy.

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The marketplace was covered in a multitude of brightly lit colored lanterns, their soft tassels swaying slightly in the wind. Feiyan’s eyes widened in delight as she gazed around at the many stalls, the sounds of merchants calling out their wares mingling with the smell of cooking food. It was certainly one of the most exciting events of the year. Although Feiyan was happy to enjoy a little bit of freedom, as she walked through the night market with Yixing, she could tell that Yixing was not the only royal guard in the crowd. While everyone around her was dressed in regular clothing, Feiyan was more than certain that imperial guards were hidden amongst the crowd. She often caught the glance of a carefully placed plainly dressed man standing nearby, who looked innocent enough but would immediately look away from her the moment their eyes met.

“Yixing.” She said softly as they wandered past an embroidery stall, “Do you see what I see?” Yixing smiled calmly down at her.

“They’ve been around since we left the palace.” He replied softly, his voice just loud enough from next to Feiyan for her to hear over the voices surrounding them. Feiyan sighed.

“Is there a way to get rid of them?” She asked, “Having my back watched during the festival is so annoying.” Yixing thought for a moment, his gaze flickering forward to look at the crowd in front of them.

“My Lady, may I take your hand?” He asked. Feiyan hesitated for a moment before slipping her hand into his.

“You have a plan?” She asked. Yixing smirked, his gaze focused on the movement of the people walking through the night market.

“One...two…” A playful smirk turned up the corner of Yixing’s lips,  “Three!” As soon as a gap opened up in the people walking in front of them, Yixing’s grip tightened around Feiyan’s hand and they took off through the crowd. Feiyan laughed in delight as they rushed through startled groups of people, the breeze blowing against her pink cheeks. She felt her chest grow warm as she gazed at Yixing’s back in front of her. His grasp on her hand was warm and secure, and at that moment she knew she would never feel safer than by his side. At last, they came to a stop, and Feiyan looked around breathlessly.

“Did we get rid of them?” She asked. Yixing grinned as he carefully searched around them.

“I believe so.” He said with a nod. Feiyan grinned happily.

“In that case, I can finally play freely!” She exclaimed. Yixing chuckled softly.

“My Lady, you get excited very easily.” He noted.

“Of course!” Feiyan declared, “It’s not every day I can come out here like this!” She started to head off towards one of the stalls, then paused and looked back briefly.

“But Yixing...do you intend to keep holding my hand?” She asked. Yixing started, then looked down and saw that their hands were still clasped together and quickly moved away.

“My apologies, My Lady.” He muttered. Feiyan looked closer at Yixing and giggled softly.

“Zhang Yixing, why are your cheeks turning pink?” She asked teasingly. Yixing blinked and rubbed at his cheeks quickly.

“It is simply the wind, My Lady.” He replied smoothly. Feiyan laughed softly.

Is he blushing? How cute.

“If you say so.” She replied, “Now come on, let’s have fun before the guards catch up.” For an hour, Feiyan explored the game and food stalls around her, freely doing what she wanted without the restrictive palace rules to bind her. At some point though, Feiyan felt a certain emptiness from behind her, and she turned to see Yixing gone from her side. She frowned in confusion and turned in a quick circle to search, but saw no sight of her guard.

“Zhang Yixing?”

____________________________________________________________________________

A few minutes ago, Yixing

Yixing paused as a glittering object caught his eye as he passed by one of the many stalls at the lantern festival. His footsteps slowed as his eyes ran over the hairpin that had caught his eye. Slowly, he reached out and picked it up, turning the small object carefully over in his fingers. It was a simple hairpin, nothing even close to what the craftsmen in the palace were capable of making. But something about the pair of pink butterflies dancing around a small flower on the hairpin made Yixing pause. It was a lively design, and made to dangle slightly in the wind or as the wearer moved her head.

The princess will certainly like this.

The thought entered his head before he realized it, and Yixing chuckled faintly to himself.

You’re so silly, Yixing. The princess has seen things far finer than this.

Still, Yixing couldn’t help but think back to the time not long ago when Princess Feiyan had demanded that he buy her a hairpin, and he had refused in order to comply with the emperor’s order to distance himself from her. Yixing reached into his pocket and pulled out some coins. The princess had forgiven him, but it wouldn’t hurt to do a little bit more to show his gratitude. After paying for the hairpin, Yixing turned to  present the gift to his mistress.

“My Lady-” He froze as he realized that the spot the princess usually occupied next to him was empty, and instead his gaze fell only on people passing by. Yixing felt his throat grow dry as his eyes frantically darted over the crowd, but his princess was nowhere to be seen.

“My Lady?” Yixing called as he hurried through the crowd, his gaze running over every female he came across, “My Lady, where are you?” Yixing cursed at himself as he rushed to find the princess. He had been so distracted by the hairpin, he hadn’t even noticed when Princess Feiyan had wandered away from him! It was the most juvenile mistake that only an inexperienced royal guard would make, and here he was, ten years into his job making the same foolish mistake. If anything happened to the princess...Yixing forced himself to push the thought away. No, no one knew the princess was out here except for the most trusted royal guards. Surely, no one would dare to touch her.

Calm down, Zhang Yixing!

Try as he might, Yixing’s worry grew as he failed to locate his mistress in the midst of the throngs of people around him. How was he supposed to find one girl in the middle of all these people? Then, a familiar voice finally called out to him over the noise of the surrounding crowd and cut through the haze of panic that had begun to settle over Yixing’s head.

“Yixing!” Yixing froze, and slowly his gaze followed the direction of the familiar voice until it landed on a small figure further up the path, who was jumping and waving to get his attention. Yixing let out the breath he didn’t realize he was holding as he recognized the young woman.

There she is.

Princess Feiyan was smiling brightly in delight as she waved at him, her eyes sparkling in the warm glow cast by the many lanterns lining the street. Yixing gazed at the princess for a long moment, and before he could think twice, he strode forward through the crowd and pulled Princess Feiyan into his arms.

____________________________________________________________________________

Feiyan

Feiyan hadn’t panicked when she had noticed Yixing wasn’t by her side. Although more confused than anything, she knew deep in her heart that Yixing would find her before long, and as it turned out, her instinct was right. She had easily spotted Yixing’s tall figure from far away, and a smile immediately spread over her face at the sight of her personal guard.

“Yixing!” She called happily, waving to get his attention. Yixing turned to face her, and Feiyan was startled by the look in the young man’s eyes. Yixing’s eyes were wide, his posture tense, and in particular he looked…

Terrified.

Feiyan blinked in confusion as she gazed at Yixing. Had something happened while they had been separated? She had never seen that look on Yixing’s face before. Then, after a long moment, Yixing strode forward through the crowd, and before Feiyan could say anything, he reached out and pulled her into a hug. Feiyan squeaked in surprise at the sudden embrace.

“Yixing?” She exclaimed, startled, “What are you...?” Feiyan’s voice trailed off as Yixing’s grip on her tightened, and she realized with a start that his heart was pounding loudly in his chest. Yixing’s arms, although tightly wrapped around her and usually so steady and secure, were trembling against her back.

“My Lady, I thought I lost you!” Yixing exclaimed as he finally pulled away. Feiyan gazed at Yixing for a long moment before responding. His eyes were wide, his jaw clenched tightly the way it usually was when he became anxious. Feiyan hesitated for a moment and then reached out to gently pat him on the cheek. Slowly, the muscles in his face relaxed, the panic fading from his eyes.

“My Lady…” He said quietly, his voice barely audible over the hum of the crowd around them. Feiyan smiled warmly up at him.

“Calm down.” She said soothingly, “I’m right here, safe and sound. Stop panicking.” Yixing gazed at her for a long moment before speaking.

“My Lady, I cannot help but worry when you disappear from my side.” He replied. Feiyan huffed and put her hands on her hips.

“Zhang Yixing, you were the one who got distracted and disappeared.” She protested, “Isn’t it your job to follow me at almost all times?” Yixing blinked and then ducked his head apologetically.

“My apologies, My Lady.” He mumbled. Feiyan sighed and shook her head, a tiny smile of amusement on her face.

“Alright, stop looking so dejected.” She said, “What got you so distracted that you forgot to watch where I was going?” Yixing smiled at her question and pulled something from behind his waistband.

“Here, My Lady.” He said as he held the object out to her, “For you.” Feiyan gazed at the object for a few seconds and realized that Yixing was holding a small hairpin decorated with sparkling twin butterflies and flowers. Her eyes widened in delight.

“It’s beautiful!” She exclaimed, “Put it on for me!” Yixing hesitated at her request.

“I’m afraid that wouldn’t be very proper, My Lady.” He protested. Feiyan knew what he was thinking. For a man to gift a hairpin to a woman and to help her put it on, he would have to be very close and familiar with her in order for it to be acceptable. These sorts of acts were usually saved for close family members or lovers. Feiyan smiled and shook her head.

“It’s fine.” She replied, “We grew up together, Yixing, we are closer than even family members. Go ahead.” Feiyan thought she saw an odd look flicker through Yixing’s eyes at her word choice, but it was gone in the next second in the bright lantern lights. He hesitated for one more second before he stepped forward and carefully slipped the hairpin into one of the buns Feiyan’s maids had neatly tied her hair into.

“How does it look?” Feiyan asked, turning her head left and right for Yixing to see. He smiled warmly as he took a step back to look at her.

“You look beautiful, My Lady.” He said, “It fits you perfectly, just as I imagined.” Feiyan grinned in delight at the compliment.

“But why are you suddenly giving me a gift?” She asked. Yixing chuckled softly.

“Last time, you wanted me to buy you a hairpin, didn’t you?” He said, “But that time I refused because I had to pretend that I wanted to leave. This hairpin is to make up for that. And…” Another unfamiliar look entered Yixing’s eyes briefly as he continued.

“Thank you for taking me back, My Lady.” He added. Feiyan felt touched as she gazed up at her personal guard, then smiled.

“Zhang Yixing, no matter what you do, I will always forgive you.” She replied, “You are my man, and that will never change. I will always let you come back to my side.” Yixing blinked in surprise at her words, then turned his head and cleared his throat, seemingly embarrassed. He muttered something under his breath, but his words were lost in the loud noises around them. Feiyan tilted her head and she gazed at the young man’s expression.

Is he blushing again? Am I seeing things?

“In any case, My Lady.” He said, quickly changing the subject, “Shall we continue enjoying the festival?” Feiyan grinned and nodded eagerly.

“Let’s go!”

___________________________________________________________________________

When Feiyan returned to the palace later that night, she waved goodbye to Yixing and happily went into her chambers, her arms full of prizes that Yixing had won for her.

“There you are.” Feiyan squeaked in surprise as a voice spoke, and she looked up to see Luhan lounging by one of the windows.

“Royal Brother!” She protested, clapping a hand dramatically over her chest, “You scared me!” The crown prince hopped off from his perch and crossed his arms as he walked over to her.

“You had fun?” He asked, nodding at her prizes. Feiyan grinned and nodded.

“Yixing had very good aim.” She replied. Luhan sighed and gazed at her for a long moment.

“Royal Sister, did you notice anything when you came back?” He asked. Feiyan frowned in confusion.

“What do you mean?” She asked. Luhan leaned closer, his eyes narrowing.

“If a princess runs off with her bodyguard under the watch over multiple royal guards, do you think the palace would be in an uproar?” He said plainly, “Do you think that princess would have such an easy time playing in the festival?” Feiyan blinked and shrank back slightly.

“You found out?” She asked. Luhan huffed.

“Of course I found out.” He said firmly, “In fact, I was the one who intercepted the guards when they were about to tell Emperor Father about your little escapade. I told them that you would be safe with Yixing and you would certainly be home before long.” Feiyan grinned and tugged on her brother’s sleeve.

“Thank you, Royal Brother.” She said with a sweet grin. Luhan sighed and shook his head.

“Feiyan, what were you thinking?” He asked, “Father already had an eye on Yixing to start with, and now you go running off with him? Do you want him to be sent away again, or worse?” Feiyan pouted.

“I wouldn’t let anything happen to him!” She protested, but Luhan shook his head again.

“Sister, you must recognize that even with your favored status, there is a limit to what you can do when our father has made up his mind.” He warned, “You are growing up now, and so is Yixing. If you want to keep him by your side, then don’t give Emperor Father a reason to view Yixing in a negative light. Do you understand?” Feiyan ducked her head and nodded.

“Yes, Brother.” She replied. Luhan’s gaze fell briefly on the new hairpin in her hair but didn’t make a comment on it. He simply sighed, shook his head, and lightly patted Feiyan on the shoulder before heading out of her chambers. Feiyan placed her prizes onto a table and sat down in front of her mirror to prepare for bed.

“Honestly, why is everyone overreacting about Yixing these days?” She grumbled. A soft smile turned up the corner of Feiyan’s lips as she gazed into the mirror and carefully took the butterfly hairpin out from her hair. She turned it around carefully in her hands before tucking it safely into her jewelry box. It was a simple piece of jewelry, nothing comparable to what Feiyan usually wore. But because it had come from Yixing, it was worth far more than what the best jewelry crafters in the empire could make. Feiyan grinned and patted the jewelry box again. Her chest grew warm as she thought back to Yixing’s gentle hands carefully placing the hairpin into her hair, the broad pleased smile that had spread over his face as he stepped back to look at her. Then, Feiyan’s thoughts slowly wandered to the warmth of Yixing’s embrace. His grasp had been so frightened, but at the same time, it had been soothing, and Feiyan almost wished it had lasted longer. It was strange; it wasn’t like it was her first time being held by Yixing. But this time, it had felt...different somehow. Feiyan blinked as she realized her cheeks were growing hot and she quickly slapped at her face.

“What’s wrong with me?” She mumbled as she quickly shook her head.

Stop it, Feiyan. Where is your mind going?

Slapping her cheeks lightly one more time, Feiyan hopped up from her seat and blew out the candle on her table.

I must still be feeling hot from the excitement of the festival.

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Author's note: Hello! I'm alive! I'm back (kind of, still have some writer's block). I hope everyone hasn't left me yet! I'm hoping to get some more parts of this story out and get more into the political fighting part, please bear with me~