"Are you…"
"I am not a lineal princess," Yetsune interjects before he can conclude. "I'm an illegitimate princess, born to a drunken encounter between a maid and the former King," she lies. Callan's face relaxes, relief spreading across his face.
She continues to solidify her tale. "My mother kept me confined all my life, ashamed of her status. Desperate for freedom, I escaped."
Compassion floods Callan's eyes. "Your secret is safe with me," he vows. Yetsune nods, finding truth in his gaze.
The pattering rain creates a soothing ambiance. As time passes, her eyelids start to grow heavy. She drifts off, her head gently settling on Callan's shoulder. He watches her with tender eyes. The sky has turned dark, yet the rain shows no signs of relenting.
His eyes trace the contours of her face, her forehead, brows, thin lashes, and slender nose. He lingers on her cupid's bow and the soft, rosy lips curved in peaceful slumber. Swallowing hard, he clenches his fist and averts his eyes.
"She's even prettier when she sleeps," he whispers to himself.
Callan feels a sense of comfort and warmth as she slumbers beside him in the peaceful cave, the pattering rain their only companion.
'From the moment I saw you, it was as if the universe opened up to reveal a new world, all contained within you. I'll wait much longer, until you see for yourself it's fate that brought us together.' His fingers lightly graze her face as he cups it in his palm. 'I fear you might be repulsed or think me crazy if I express the magnitude of my affection too soon.' He scoffs at himself. 'Even I think it's madness to be so consumed by someone I barely know.'
Hours pass. The rain ceases. Their carriage glides through hushed streets, lamplight casting long shadows.
Callan rests his head on his knuckles, eyes shut, elbow anchored on the armrest. Yetsune remains asleep against his shoulder. As the carriage turns, they sway slightly, and Yetsune stirs awake. Callan opens his eyes, feeling the weight of her head leave his shoulder
"You're up," he notes softly.
Yetsune looks at him, befuddled, then pulls the carriage curtain aside to peer outside. She's surprised to see deserted streets and darkness.
"You slept through the rain," Callan explains. "I waited for it to pass before bringing you back to the palace."
Her eyebrow arches. "How did you know I'm staying there?"
"Achi ensured your friends' safe return to the palace before collecting us," he explains.
Relief floods Yetsune momentarily on learning Erya has safely returned to the palace, but concern quickly follows. "What time is it? The palace gates must be closed by now," she says frantically.
He gives her a reassuring smile. "The gates are indeed closed but I promise to get you in."
She stares at him in doubt, worried she might get scolded by the Noble Consort for being out so late.
Achi brings the carriage to a stop then announces, "We have arrived."
"Wait here," Callan instructs before alighting the carriage.
Yetsune peeks out, confirming their arrival at the imperial palace. She watches Callan converse with the guards, presenting a tasseled object.
He returns, helping her down. "You can enter now," he says.
She glances at the opening gates, then back at Callan. "How…?" she begins, questions swirling.
"Hurry, before they close again," Callan urges.
Suppressing her curiosity, Yetsune steps back. "Thank you," she says with a slight bow. Callan nods, watching her walk towards the gate.
"Yetsu!" he calls out just before she passes through.
She turns as he runs towards her, holding out a rolled sheet. "A gift. Open it when you're back," he says.
Yetsune takes it and hurries inside, not wanting to waste anymore time. Since the Moon Palace is greatly distanced from the palace gate, it takes her a while to get there. She quietly enters the unmanned palace and sneaks in. She succeeds in entering her bedchamber quietly only she's startled to find Erya behind the door, a cloth bag across her chest.
"Your Highness!" Erya exclaims, both startled and relieved.
Yetsune's gaze falls to the bag. "Where are you going?"
"How could you leave like that? Alone with him!" Erya's outburst makes Yetsune recoil.
"Erya…" she breathes, shocked by her anger.
"Do you know how worried I was? You nearly died there, and that rogue forced me back, threatening to expose our identity. I had no choice but to return… without you. Why—" her voice breaks as tears stream down. "Why did you do that?!"
Yetsune stares at her, feeling a pang of guilt. It turns out that while she was enjoying herself she was also hurting Erya. "I am sorry, I…I didn't mean to hurt you," she mutters an apology.
"Forgive me, but I can't allow your recklessness any longer. I've packed our necessities. Tonight, we're returning to Aisin." Erya grasps Yetsune's hand, determined to leave.
"Wait," Yetsune pleads, trying to free herself. The roll slips from her hand, falling to the ground.
"Erya, stop!" she screams, finally breaking free.
"Your Highness!" Erya snaps, eyes wide and red.
Yetsune extends both hands, gesturing for Erya to calm herself. "Think about it. The gates are locked, the palace heavily guarded. How can we leave? We had a plan. If we return to Aisin now, you'll be sentenced to death and I—"
"I don't care about my life, Your Highness!"