It was early afternoon when the estate gates opened to welcome unexpected guests—though for once, not the kind Lan had learned to dread. Mina had rushed into the room, slightly out of breath but beaming with excitement, her eyes bright.
"His Grace, Lord Thorne—the Prince's uncle—has arrived," Mina announced, placing a small wooden box on the dressing table. "He brought his children with him. And… he asked to meet you."
Lan, seated by the window, blinked in mild surprise. Her shoulders tensed instinctively—another noble? More empty smiles? Another person to judge her?
But Mina smiled warmly. "Don't worry. Lord Thorne is a kind man. He's the only one in the palace who dares tease the prince openly."
Lan offered a tentative nod. Mina opened the box, revealing a beautiful hanfu—a soft peach-colored robe with golden embroidery of sparrows in flight. The inner layer was white silk, light and comfortable, and the outer sash had been stitched with delicate silver thread.
"His Grace sent this too. He said it would suit you well." Mina's voice softened as she added, "He's different from the others, Lan."
With her help, Lan dressed slowly, the hanfu settling around her like a quiet whisper of spring wind. For the first time in days, she felt seen—not like a prisoner, or a burden, but a guest. A person.
Down in the garden courtyard, laughter echoed near the blossoming apricot trees. Two children—a boy of about seven and a girl just slightly younger—chased each other around the trimmed hedges, their high voices ringing in the mild afternoon sun.
Lord Thorne stood nearby, watching them fondly. A man of broad build and a jovial presence, his eyes crinkled warmly at the edges when Lan stepped into view.
"Ah! So this is the young bride Alaric has hidden away like a dragon with a pearl," he exclaimed with a hearty chuckle.
Lan blinked, unsure how to respond. She bowed slightly, her hands folded together. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Your Grace."
"Nonsense. Call me Uncle Thorne. Everyone does—except Alaric, who pretends he's too old for such things," he said with a grin, stepping forward. "Come now, child, don't stand there like a marble statue. Have you met the twins?"
The two children came bounding over, flushed from running. The little girl hid behind her father's leg, peeking up at Lan with wide eyes.
"This is Nora," Thorne said, patting the girl's head, "and this troublemaker is Ren."
Ren tugged at Lan's sleeve. "Are you really a princess?"
Lan flushed. "Not really," she said softly.
"You wear the prettiest dress I've ever seen," Nora murmured shyly.
Thorne beamed. "Told you they'd love you." Then he leaned in slightly and added, "They've been terrified of every noblewoman we've met lately. But you? You feel like sunshine."
Lan didn't know what to say. Her throat tightened with something she hadn't felt in days: warmth.
....
Soon, they were sitting on the grass near the reflecting pool. Ren tried to balance pebbles on Lan's hand while Nora braided small flowers into the hem of her hanfu. For a time, the world was still, soft, and free of judgment.
When Alaric returned from his earlier duties and found them in the garden, he paused at the sight.
Lan was laughing.
Not the quiet, awkward smile she wore like armor, but a real, open laugh—eyes closed, hands in front of her, as Ren piled petals into her lap and Nora proudly presented her lopsided flower crown.
Alaric watched from the shadows beneath the arbor. It was the first time he'd seen that expression on her face.
"You're late," Thorne called, without turning his head. "Come join us, boy. Your bride is quite the favorite today."
Alaric stepped forward, gaze resting on Lan as she looked up. Her laughter quieted, replaced with a quiet, polite smile, but there was no fear in her eyes this time.
"I see you've made yourself at home," he said.
"I didn't mean to—"
"She was invited," Thorne cut in firmly. "You should be grateful someone in this estate knows how to smile."
Lan lowered her gaze, but not out of shame. Something in her chest felt lighter, freer.
As the sun began to set and the children prepared to leave, Nora tugged at Lan's hand. "Will you play with us again?"
Lan nodded. "If you want me to."
"We do!" Ren shouted, waving as they followed their father back toward the gate.
Thorne paused beside Alaric. "That girl is more precious than half the nobility rotting in their pride. Don't let them break her."
Alaric's expression didn't shift. But as he looked toward Lan—still kneeling in the garden with flower petals scattered around her—it was clear something had changed.
Maybe not everything was lost.
Not yet.