Anchhi entered the chamber that had been prepared for her, her hands running over the silken sheets of the bed, the fine craftsmanship of the furniture. Everything here was luxurious, fit for a noblewoman, but it felt out of place in such a remote mountain retreat. She peeled off her travel-worn clothes and slipped into a warm Hanfu and a heavy cloak, wrapping it tightly around her body.
The cold still lingered in the air, biting at her exposed skin despite the fire crackling in the hearth. Her thoughts swirled as she stared out the window at the snow falling softly outside. It felt like she was in a dream—or a nightmare she hadn't yet woken from. Her father's execution replayed in her mind, the way his head fell, the cold indifference of Crown Prince Hui Jing as he turned his back on her. Her heart clenched painfully at the thought of his betrayal.
How had her life turned into this? Once a noblewoman, cherished and protected, now she was in exile in the mountains, relying on the very man she had distrusted.
A soft knock on the door interrupted her thoughts, and the caretaker entered to inform her that dinner was ready. Anchhi sighed, steeling herself for what was sure to be an awkward meal.
When she entered the dining room, she found Shuo Jin already seated, waiting for her. His back was straight, his posture perfect, but what caught her off guard was the change in his appearance. He had changed into a warmer robe, a dark one embroidered with subtle silver patterns that shimmered in the candlelight. His long black hair, usually tied in a neat bun, now flowed freely down his back, reaching his waist.
Her heart skipped a beat, though she quickly scolded herself for such foolish thoughts. She took her seat across from him at the long, low dining table, the luxurious spread before them catching her attention. The dishes were artfully prepared—steamed buns, roasted duck, delicate slices of fish, and vegetables that looked almost too beautiful to eat. The rich scents of the food filled the room, making her stomach rumble in anticipation.
Shuo Jin remained silent as she picked up her chopsticks, and just as she was about to take her first bite, he spoke.
"You'll need to wake up early tomorrow for training."
Anchhi froze mid-motion, her chopsticks hovering over her plate. She blinked, not sure she'd heard him correctly. "Training?"
Shuo Jin nodded, his expression as calm as ever. "We start at dawn."
Her eyes narrowed, incredulous. "I'm sorry, are you insane?" she sputtered, lowering her chopsticks with a clatter. "What training? Why would I need to train?"
Shuo Jin's gaze met hers, steady and unyielding. "If you're to survive out here, you'll need to be strong. I'm not offering you protection without preparation. You're not a helpless noblewoman anymore."
Her cheeks flushed, disbelief swirling inside her. "I didn't ask for this! I didn't ask to be dragged out into the mountains and turned into... whatever it is you're trying to make me!"
His eyes darkened slightly, a flicker of something she couldn't name passing through them. "You agreed to come, didn't you? You had the chance to walk away."
Anchhi opened her mouth to retort, but the words died on her lips. He was right. She had agreed, albeit reluctantly. But that didn't mean she had agreed to this madness. "Training," she muttered under her breath, stabbing at a piece of fish with her chopsticks. "Ridiculous."
Shuo Jin leaned back slightly, his lips twitching into what might have been the ghost of a smirk. "You'll thank me later."
"Oh, I doubt that," she snapped, rolling her eyes. "What exactly do you plan to teach me? How to swing a sword? How to fight off wild animals?"
However, his expression remained maddeningly composed. "Swordsmanship, martial arts, survival skills. You'll need them all."
Anchhi let out a disbelieving laugh. "You really are insane."
He didn't respond, simply watching her with that same calm, unflappable demeanor that both irritated and intrigued her. The silence stretched between them, broken only by the crackling of the fire and the occasional clink of their chopsticks against the plates.
Finally, she sighed, shaking her head. "Fine," she muttered. "I'll go along with this madness for now. But don't expect me to turn into some warrior overnight."
His lips curved into a slight smile, though it was fleeting. "I never expected you to."
Her heart skipped a beat again at the sight of that rare smile, though she quickly buried the feeling. This wasn't some romantic fantasy. This was survival. And Shuo Jin, despite his aloofness, seemed determined to make sure she learned that lesson well.
And as they sat across from each other, snow falling softly outside, Anchhi wondered how much longer she could resist the pull of whatever it was that tied them together.