The laughter and warmth between Lili and the emperor lingered in the cool night air as they continued reminiscing about their shared childhood. Lili's cheeks were rosy from laughing so much, and the emperor couldn't help but admire the glow of happiness that radiated from her. He reached over, brushing a stray strand of hair from her face, his fingers lingering on her cheek.
"You haven't changed much, Lili," he said softly, his tone carrying a tenderness that was rare for him. "You still know how to make me feel like that carefree boy I used to be."
Lili smiled, her heart fluttering at his words. "And you, Your Majesty, are still the same stubborn boy who hated losing to me."
The emperor raised a brow, pretending to be affronted. "Stubborn? I was determined. There's a difference, my queen."
She giggled, leaning closer. "Determined, stubborn—it's all the same to me. But you were always the one who made my days brighter."
