The Crown Prince's Guard

chapter 6: Offer Accepted

Li Xun took his friend to the Maple Pavilion by the lake. They crossed the bridge slowly, and Long'Er took the time to look at the beautiful scenery. He was still impressed with the architecture of the building here. They are very well built and beautifully furnished by the maple trees and surrounding flowers. He could hardly believe that this place belonged to the man walking beside him.

"So, I assume you're here because you've decided to accept my offer?" he asked expectantly.

His little nod made a sincere smile bloom on his face. He kept glancing at her as he probed her with more questions. He was so mysterious and secretive that his own existence channeled his curiosity. If they were going to be friends from now onwards, he wanted to know her better.

"Seriously, what made you change your mind? I couldn't believe my ears when the guards told me that you were here" she admitted.

"Hmm," he mused. He was not ready to reveal the real reason for coming here.

"There's something I have to do in the capital. And it's gonna take a while and I need a place to stay for a while. Your offer is just my solution."

"Do you need my help for anything you're trying to accomplish here?"

He shook his head.

"Thank you" he said thankfully.

"But I'll handle it myself. I don't want to trouble a prince in my little matters." He frowned at his choice of words.

"You don't bother me," he assured her.

"I am the one who troubles you to save me when I am in danger. I'm the selfish one who keeps persuading you to work for me. I know this isn't embarrassing me, but I'm so glad you came to me." She bit her lower lip, her cheeks getting warmer hearing his words.

Thankfully her face was covered by the black mask she was wearing. This guy's a real charmer, isn't he? And he himself seemed not to notice. There was nothing but purity and sincerity in his twilight gray eyes.

"Your Majesty, please. You flatter me. I did what everyone else would do at the time." He laughed at her reaction.

"Well, not everyone has the guts to shoot a big monster." Increasingly embarrassed, he did not comment further and instead focused his attention on the pavilion standing before them. They headed to the second floor, where a panoramic view of the lake and garden awaited them.

"You have a beautiful home" he commented.

"Indeed," he agreed, but he caught the look in his eyes that said something else.

"But even though this place holds so much beauty, it's less warm."

As his eyes looked towards his eyes, he continued.

"When in your house, it has both attributes." He recalled his comfortable little hut, a flower field and recalled how he felt so peaceful there. He shook his head, realizing how ridiculous he sounded before him.

"I'm not making sense, am I?" Eyes soften.

"That's why I'm here, right? To be your friend" he said. His eyes immediately sparkled. Knowing that he remembered what he said to her last time turned her into a happy man.

"It's true" he answered.

"However, I have a condition."

"Please, speak." He opened his mouth to tell her.

"I'll leave after I finish what I have to do here." Once he finds his real family and uncovers the past, he will turn around and return to his original place. Back to her mother and her home. He nodded easily.

"Of course, as long as you don't go around killing someone or committing a crime, I'm fine with your condition."

He bowed a little. "Then I will be at your service, Your Majesty."

Li Xun was the man of his words. He really tried hard to provide everything he needed, including a private room and a bathroom for himself. Funny how he helped her without realizing that she accidentally helped him to hide his gender from everyone.

Knowing that he had travelled far away to the capital, he had escorted him back to his room and gracefully allowed him to rest that night. After enjoying a delicious dinner and a warm bath, she finally went to bed. Long'Er became nervous - tomorrow would mark the first day of his duties in the palace. Thinking about it resulted in him not getting much sleep that night. He threw and turned on the bed, before going in and out of his sleep for the next few hours.

When morning finally came, someone came knocking on the door. He tightened his ponytail one last time and adjusted his mask properly. As he walked to the wooden door, he opened it to face a tall man with wide shoulders. She looked at him coldly, before giving him a nod of agreement on his polite and proper appearance.

"I hope you get enough rest, Long'Er," he said politely.

"I am Ling Yao, the head of the security team in charge of the safety of the prince. In addition to reporting to His Majesty, you should also report to me."

Listening to him attentively, he responded quickly.

"Yes sir." He was about to leave when he suddenly stopped in his steps with a serious expression on his face.

"It's a great honor for His Majesty to take you personally," he glanced at her seriously.

"I hope you don't disappoint me." As if his words were not stressful enough, the frightening look in his eyes was completely cold.

To Ling Yao, he was a stranger from outside the city and had always been suspicious of her. Try something funny and you'll die. The message was received - he quickly nodded his head without saying a word. The prince of course gets himself an intimidating but formidable bodyguard.

"Come, Son. We have to go." Ling Yao lined up, and she followed behind him closely. They made it to the prince's bedroom, and Long'Er noticed how the servants bowed slightly at them as they passed by. They stood outside the room and one of the servants beside them announced their arrival.

"Come in" said a voice from within. The officers opened the door and Ling Yao gestured for Long'Er to enter. He walked alone slowly, his eyes exploring the large and luxurious room furnished with luxurious furniture.

Already dressed in the royal official robe with traces of a golden dragon, the prince sat on his bed. He was reading a book but he raised his head to look at it when he heard it coming in. Smiling, he greeted her.