CHAPTER 22

Mei

D uring all the nights of this quest, none proved as agonizing as the one I endured now. I sat by the fire, having volunteered for the night watch since I knew sleep would be impossible, but my eyes spent more time on Darcel than scanning the trees around us.

His face was relaxed in sleep, unmarred by the tension that his duties and our shared deceit wrought upon him during the day. Beneath the veil of darkness, I allowed myself the liberty of gazing at him in unrestrained appreciation that the daylight hours denied me. This secret observation was a bittersweet torment, encompassed with my yearnings to explore the relationship that our constant audience and the perpetual threat of discovery forbade.

We had already been caught once. The memory of Jiang's bewilderment when he stumbled upon one of our unguarded moments—where training had given way to the exploration of our growing feelings—made my cheeks burn with embarrassment. Though he never mentioned what he’d witnessed, his repeated puzzled glances towards Darcel were telling. Darcel bore these looks with stoic resignation, a testament to his honor even amid the discomfort our situation had caused.

My guilt for the uncomfortable position my secret placed him in was mitigated somewhat by the sweet awareness of the lengths he was willing to go for my sake, giving me hope that he might be starting to reciprocate my own tender feelings…especially after his confession that he’d been drawn to me since our first encounter at my apothecary.

Since discovering my true identity, every interaction seemed imbued with deeper meaning: his guiding hand helping me over rugged terrain, his decision to keep his shirt on during sweltering days so I wasn't alone in my discomfort, his efforts to protect my privacy and ensure my well-being—whether by ensuring I had enough rest or sharing his rations.

I treasured each considerate gesture that spoke louder than words, storing them as cherished jewels in my treasure trove of affection. Every glance, touch, and sweet word became priceless, nourishing the love blooming within me, more valuable than any herb in my collection.

As the night waned, my senses sharpened to every sound and shift from Darcel. Each murmur or rustle seemed amplified in the quiet darkness. As dawn brushed the sky with strokes of coral and lavender, the emerging light gently caressed his features, casting them in a soft golden hue. My resolve finally succumbed to the yearning that had been building within me. Gently, almost hesitantly, I reached out, my fingertips lightly brushing against his, a touch laden with the longing I could no longer contain.

I held my breath, hoping my touch was soft enough not to wake him. But sleep seemed to have eluded him as well, capturing him in night’s endless spell. His eyes fluttered open, and time seemed to stand still, filled with unspoken words and our growing awareness. For a long moment he stared at me not with his usual guarded reserve, but with a depth of tenderness that made me feel cherished and truly seen.

His lips curved up as he reached out to trace the line of my cheek with a touch so intimate, it felt as though he was committing every detail to memory. The warmth from his fingers lingered, heated ripples that encircled my heart. Though he didn’t dare say anything about my appearance in words, it was clear that he was seeing my true self…and that he liked it, a realization that lifted my heart immeasurably.

The affectionate look took me back to the moment earlier that morning when I had applied the spell beneath his eyes. I had waited, my breath caught in anxious suspense, to see if the spell would take effect. The herbal charm designed to break the illusion hinged on whether the receiver could truly perceive me beyond the disguise.

It would be the ultimate test. I clung to the hope that he would succeed in seeing through it; I had never so deeply desired to be recognized for who I truly was as I yearned to from him. In the end my lingering fear proved to have been unfounded; recognition immediately dawned in his eyes when he saw me for who I truly was—not the facade, but as Mei .

The sweet memory enfolded my heart, deepening the love I felt for him with every adoring caress as he stroked my cheek. I yearned to remain lost in this moment, but with the coming light the absence of my disguise loomed urgently. I needed to reapply the rough stubble that lent credibility to my masquerade as Ren, yet after the intimacy that had just transpired between us I couldn’t bear the thought of leaving him behind, even for a moment.

I reluctantly started to stand, but he seized my wrist. “Where are you going?” His gaze was so imploring, silently pleading for me to stay.

Wordlessly I gestured to my face, prompting an indescribable spark in his eyes. “I’ll come with you.” His tone carried a barely concealed eagerness that lifted my heart, leaving no room for sense despite the potential risk.

I caught Sir Jiang and Kael’s quizzical looks as we stood, their expressions a mix of confusion and suspicion. “We’ll scout a bit ahead,” Darcel called over to them, standing in front of me to shield my unmasked face from their scrutiny.

Their skepticism was palpable—especially from our designated tracker who up until this point had taken care of the duty that served as our current pretense—but they nodded, allowing us to slip away into the shelter of the trees.

Once we were hidden by the dense foliage, I turned to Darcel, my brow raised in silent question. “There’s no reason for you to accompany me; I can manage.”

His cheeks took on a shade that matched the rosy dawn. “I know. I just…wanted a few moments alone with you.” His gaze held mine, earnest and a little shy, a stark contrast to the confident prince he was for everyone else.

The simplicity of his confession stripped away any pretense of annoyance I might have feigned. My heart warmed and I couldn’t hold back my smile, mirroring the softening in his eyes.

We moved deeper into the cover of the trees, where I began to reapply my disguise with practiced motions. I felt the weight of Darcel’s gaze as I worked and turned to find him watching me with the tender attention of someone cherishing the mundane intimacy of the moment, a longing that was no longer only mine to carry.

His presence turned the routine task into something precious, a shared secret that deepened the connection between us. Even after I finished I wasn’t ready to return quite yet, wanting to remain in this moment for a while longer, when I could simply be with him without the fear of discovery. He seemed to feel the same, for without either of us saying anything we redirected our course and continued deeper in the forest, stealing sideways glances at each other as we moved in silent harmony.

As if sensing our intentions, a path opened beneath the undergrowth, winding its way between the untamed trees draped with curtains of green moss. I tuned into the magic that stirred the air, alive with the land’s stories whispered by the sighing wind and the creaking boughs overhead.

Each step forward required care to avoid the roots and the occasional stray bramble. Darcel remained close, his presence a quiet source of strength I instinctively leaned upon without thought. We hadn’t ventured far when the path narrowed, obscured by a fallen log that blocked our way.

Without a word Darcel reached out, his hand brushing mine to steady me while I clambered over, sending a jolt of awareness through me. His touch lingered even after I’d steadied myself on the other side, his gaze laden with an emotion he couldn’t conceal, a tumult of feelings that seemed to mirror my own restless heart.

The forest gradually opened up, as if the magic guiding us within the trees offered sanctuary within its mystical corridors. As we navigated the labyrinthine path deeper into the ancient woodlands, a gentle breeze stirred the air, carrying a delicate fragrance. I paused and drew in a deep breath, trying to place the scent that tugged at the edges of my memory.

Darcel broke the reverent silence that had descended around us, his voice tinged with wonder. “It smells like cherry blossoms.”

The path ahead was draped in a verdant archway of intertwined branches, filtering slivers of the brightening sky above. Drawn by the faint enchantment lingering in the air and my innate herbalist’s curiosity, I followed the forest's subtle beckoning, Darcel trailing closely behind.

Our footsteps were hushed, guiding us as if the forest itself breathed a path under our feet. After a journey of several quiet minutes, the dense foliage gradually thinned, and we emerged into a clearing that took my breath away—a secluded grove vibrant with cherry blossoms in full bloom. The trees arched overhead in a delicate canopy, their blossoms shimmering as if dancing to their own silent melody. Petals fluttered down like soft pink rain, carpeting the ground in a mosaic of color, causing both of us to stop in wonder as we surveyed the captivating scene. For the first time in days, I could see no sign of decay, only vibrant, beautiful life.

I reverently stepped forward in sudden recognition, feeling as if I’d entered one of the stories that used to enchant me as a child. “Ancient herbalist texts speak of hidden groves that reveal themselves to earnest seekers.”

It was like a moment of time suspended in magic. Unlike before this journey began, I hadn’t come in search of the rare ingredients legend claimed were hidden within this sacred place; instead I sought a moment alone with the man who had captured my heart.

“So much for the woman who once claimed she would never have any interest in the prince.”

I glared down at Lumis, wishing I’d left it behind, but out of habit I’d brought my satchel in case we came across any useful herbs.

Thankfully Darcel was oblivious to our exchange, his expression awed as he took in the surrounding wonder, his usual guarded demeanor softened beneath the blossoms’ gentle glow. “It feels like we’ve stepped within a dream, legend made manifest.” His voice was barely above a whisper, as if afraid to break the enchantment that the grove projected around us.

We wandered deeper, each step stirring a flurry of petals. The trees seemed to lean towards us, their branches choreographing a silent welcome. I turned in a slow circle, marveling at the ancient, timeless beauty of the trees. At my side, I felt Lumis warm and stiffened in annoyance. But its persistent pulses finally attracted my attention, and I looked down grudgingly to see the lantern’s light illuminating the base of one tree.

Curiously I knelt to examine the small plant that grew there, its slender stems topped with a flurry of pink blossoms. “Cherry root,” I said in wonder. “It grows only in the shadow of a cherry tree, but I thought it went extinct during the curse. No one has been able to find any since.” I reached out a hand but hesitated, looking up at the majestic tree that seemed to guard the frail plant. “May I?”

A shower of cherry blossoms fluttered down on me as if in answer, and I reverently uprooted the small plant, wrapping a strip of cloth around its roots. Maybe I could plant it in a small jug and take it home to propagate.

I stood to see Darcel watching me with a fond smile. “When you’re in your element, you are absolutely breathtaking.” He extended a hand to help me to my feet and we stood facing each other.

Amidst the soft glow of enchanted blossoms, the distance between us seemed to diminish, as if a spell had been cast over our hearts, coaxing forth the truths hidden deep within.

The leaves rustled in barely discernible whispers, murmuring love stories that seemed as old as time itself, woven into the very essence of this magical place. I inclined my ear, listening intently and marveling that I could not only figuratively speak the language of plants, but could literally understand their words.

“What do you hear?” Darcel asked, facing me with an expression of deep curiosity, as if he already cherished every word I might speak.

“These whispers tell of love,” I said, my voice hushed in reverence. “Timeless and enduring, as if the grove remembers every heart that has ever found solace beneath its boughs.”

He was silent a moment, then I felt his gentle caress against my hand, beckoning me to meet his eyes. “Will they one day also tell our love story?”

My breath caught, but I had no time for my whirling thoughts to settle enough to bask in his meaning when he cradled my face. His touch was gentle, stroking my cheek with a tenderness I could only describe as loving.

“Your observation is too keen not to have noticed my awkward fumbling ever since I found out you were that beguiling woman from the apothecary. The moment I learned the true identity of someone who has become a dear friend, I’ve been unsure what to do with myself. You've utterly confounded me.”

With each word he stepped closer. Overwhelmed by his presence, I retreated until the trunk of a cherry tree halted my escape, leaving me nowhere else to go…not that I truly wished to flee.

“You started this.” My retort was feeble, a faint echo of the playful banter that had defined our interactions since the beginning. Now it felt futile, stripping away my defenses in a battle that had consumed us both for too long. The game we'd been playing was ending, the charade we'd maintained finally unraveling.

He chuckled. “Even now you want to argue. You will certainly keep me on my toes.” His arm encircled me, pulling me into an embrace that, along with his adoring gaze, made me feel utterly cherished. “Whatever you’ve claimed I’ve started, I’m determined to finish it.” His gaze flickered down, lingering on my lips.

Warmth swelled in my heart, but as much as I yearned to be kissed, I also wanted to seize the future I desired with my own hands. I met his soft gaze, my heart pounding as I searched for the courage to voice the feelings I had protected for so long.

“Darcel.” My whisper surrounding his name carried clearly in the enchanted stillness. The blossoms rustled softly above us, as if encouraging my confession.

He smiled softly, his steady gaze never leaving mine. “You can tell me anything, Mei.”

His assurance bolstered my courage, and I took a deep, steadying breath. “I’ve fallen in love with you. Not just as Ren, or as the person you thought I was, but as Mei…the real me.”

Joy lit his smile, his eyes reflecting the luminescent blossoms around us that now shimmered with the secret I had just revealed. His expression softened into a gentle, vulnerable smile that sent my heart racing. “I hoped you had.” His quiet admission was thick with emotion, his fingers tentative as they brushed against mine, as if testing the reality of the moment. His simple touch ignited a cascade of emotions within me. “I've been hopelessly in love with you too, from the moment I realized who you truly are beneath your disguise.”

His adoring words enveloped me with a joy so profound it left me breathless. Despite the reverence and tenderness of the moment, I couldn’t resist my satisfied smirk. “That means I win, for I’ve been in love with you since before you discovered my disguise.”

He laughed, a warm sound that cradled my heart as gently as he held me. “I concede. Very well, you can claim this victory, but the next battle over who loves the other the most is mine for the taking.”

“Don’t underestimate me; I am more than a worthy opponent.”

The laughter from his playful challenge lingered between us, a bridge of shared joy as Darcel’s fingers gently lifted my chin, guiding my gaze back to his. My heart raced, each beat magnifying the anticipation that drew us closer. “May I?” His question was laden with meaning, seeking permission that I was only too eager to grant.

Not to be outdone, my hand found his cheek, guiding him down towards me as I stood on tiptoe to close the lingering space between us. The world seemed to pause as he leaned in, holding its breath along with us as our distance vanished in a heartbeat as his lips met mine in a kiss that felt like the first drop of rain after a long drought. The trees that had been whispering burst into a soft melody, singing of joy and promise.

Our kiss began gently, exploratory, as we savored this long-awaited moment of finally crossing a threshold we had both yearned for. Gradually the kiss deepened, growing more confident and passionate as we matched each other’s intensity in this new battle. Yet for all its fire, the kiss was imbued with a reverence that spoke volumes about the depth of our feelings for one another.

It felt like many journeys passed between us before we broke apart, resting our foreheads against each other’s as we fought for breath. “You have no idea how long I’ve wanted to do that,” I murmured. “How long I’ve needed you.”

“You have me,” he promised. “For I want you just as desperately. No more disguises, no more secrets. Just you, me, and whatever future we choose to forge together.”

Surrounded by this sacred vow, we kissed again. When we eventually parted, Darcel held me close for a long moment as if he couldn’t bear to let me go after our tumultuous journey that had finally led us to this point. I nestled closer, basking in the culmination of the quest our hearts had embarked on. The ethereal glow of the grove lingered around us when we eventually stepped apart, as if it too was hesitant to see this beautiful moment end.

“We should head back,” Darcel murmured, his voice a gentle intrusion into the quiet magic that had enveloped us.

I nodded reluctantly, not ready to return to a world where we would be forced to feign indifference. Sensing my change in mood, he leaned down, his lips caressing my ear.

“Once our quest ends, I’m determined to embark on an entirely new one—an expedition to capture your heart.” His hand reached for mine, his touch carrying a silent promise that what had happened here wouldn’t be forgotten once we stepped back into reality.

I squeezed his hand in affirmation, my own promise. “I will hold you to that, for I’m not ready to lose my favorite foe.”

He laughed and pressed a gentle kiss to my cheek before we walked back to camp hand in hand, our spirits as intertwined as our fingers. We held on to each other as long as possible until we were forced to let go. But even when our hands parted, the magic of what had transpired within the pink-dappled canopy of the grove lingered within us, forever altering our hearts and reshaping our futures in ways we were only just beginning to imagine.