When the golden ray of sunlight touched the horizon and the dark night sky started to become a pale color of grey, Qianru stirred in her sleep.
Her eyelashes fluttered slightly as her arm stretched out to feel her surroundings. However she found nothing. It was only an empty cold bed that greeted her, frowning, she fought the sleepiness that glued her eyes and tried to open them.
Her eyes were wandering the bed beside her and there was nobody there.
"Jun?" Her voice cracked as her mind started to work its way to assess her situation.
When the understanding down on her, she got off from the bed, ignoring the sudden aching on her head when she did so. As Qianru stumbled to the door, she snatched the robe from the back of the chair and wrapped her body.
Tears almost spilled from her eyes.
Qianru didn't believe it after what they had shared last night, Xiao Jun would leave her behind without even saying a word to her.
She thought, she had managed to convince him to take her with him.
She thought, she finally meant something to him.
She thought, it wasn't only her wishful thinking to be with him.
But, he left her…
Qianru's hands were shaking when she tried to open the door, however before she could pull it, someone had stopped her by putting his hands atop of hers.
"What are you doing, going out in dress like that?"
Qianru startled with the voice that she was so familiar with, she turned around and faced the man that was always in her heart and mind. A sense of relief washed over her as her tense shoulder started to relax with the sight of him standing tall right in front of her.
There was slightly concern and annoyed that laced in his tone, disagree with the lack of proper dress that she was wearing.
The faint furrowed between his brows emphasized his disapproval.
"I thought you had left me…" Qianru said softly while resting her head on his chest.
Xiao Jun was wearing blue robe and his hair had tied neatly atop of his head in man bun. Looking from what he wore, he was ready to leave anytime, and that was what he would do if Qianru didn't awake in time.
"I am thinking of leaving you." Xiao Jun said honestly, but no after he was seeing how panic Qianru became when she realized he wasn't there.
Xiao Jun rested his chin on top of her head while his arms secured her small body in his warm embrace.
Qianru didn't say anything, she just tightened her hold around his waist, didn't appreciate his words in the slightest.
"Are you sure you want to come with me?" Xiao Jun asked for the umpteenth time.
Qianru knew it would be dangerous to follow him to the Kingdom of Rockstone with Xiao Zi's scheme all over the place, especially when Xiao Jun was out of the country, but she wasn't going to let that stop her from being with him. "Bring me with you…"
***
At this time the reflected light of the sun from below the horizon confer twilight, the trace of the night was still hanging on the sky when Xiao Jun helped Qianru to enter the horse carriage while the other guards that Xiao Jun brought gathered their belongings to set forth on their journey.
As it was a sudden order, there was no one who saw them off. The Emperor only sent his eunuch to say a few counterfeit advises.
It only took ten minutes before they were ready to set off on their journey to the Kingdom of Rockstone.
Qianru looked at the city that was starting to alive under the bright of the sunlight through the window of the carriage.
Xiao Jun didn't bring many people with him, but was enough for the citizen to recognize their entourage and along the street all the people stopped with what they were doing and knelt before their Prince.
Xiao Jun was always rode a horse whenever he would go, but for the fact he was in the carriage must be because Princess Qianru was inside as well.
All the citizens gave their respect until the entrance gates of the capital city.
Once they were out of the city, Qianru closed the window curtain and leaned against the backrest. Their carriage was spacious enough for only the two of them.
Xiao Jun, who was sitting next to her, started to read something on the report that he brought with him and Qianru was peeking at the report as well when they heard that sound.
The same sound that Xiao Jun heard last night.
Qianru sat up straight as she listened. It had been a long time since the last time she heard it, abruptly she opened the curtain window again and poked her head out of the window.
In the distance, he saw a familiar figure sat atop of a sturdy horse. Their distance was quite far, but she could still recognize him.
Qianru raised her hand and waved him goodbye, she was only sitting back when his figured had disappeared and the sound was no longer could be heard.
"Don't you want to say something to Tianyao?" Qianru asked Xiao Jun carefully who kept reading without heed the sound.