Surrendering To You

Chapter13

As dawn broke over Yunmeng Kingdom, the soft light of the early morning sun filtered through the curtains of the guest chamber, casting gentle patterns across the floor. The air was filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers, but today felt bittersweet. It was the last day for Prince Ning and Princess Qing in Yunmeng, and the group knew their time together was coming to an end.

Cheng sat on the edge of his bed, a knot of anxiety tightening in his stomach. He had spent countless hours rehearsing his words, but now, faced with the reality of saying goodbye, he felt the weight of uncertainty pressing down on him. What if he couldn't express how he truly felt?

Zhan knocked on his door, bursting in with a wide grin. "Cheng! You ready for the last breakfast feast? Qing's making sure it's unforgettable!"

"Yeah, I'm coming," Cheng replied, forcing a smile as he stood up. He could hear the laughter and chatter coming from the dining hall, a stark contrast to his own swirling thoughts.

As they entered the dining hall, the atmosphere was vibrant. Princess Qing had outdone herself with a spread of colorful fruits, pastries, and steaming bowls of rice porridge. Ning and General Yaun were already seated, their faces animated with laughter.

"Good morning, sleepyhead!" Ning teased, glancing at Cheng. "Hope you're ready for the feast of a lifetime."

Cheng managed a smile, his heart racing. He stole a glance at Qing, who was chatting with Zhan, her laughter like music that brightened the room. As breakfast unfolded, the group shared stories and memories, but all Cheng could think about was how he would confess his feelings to Qing before they left.

After breakfast, they gathered in the garden one last time, the vibrant blooms a vivid reminder of their time together. The air was fragrant with the scent of honeysuckle and rose, and the gentle rustle of leaves provided a serene backdrop. Cheng's heart pounded as he watched Qing admiring the flowers, her fingers brushing the petals delicately, each movement graceful and enchanting.

"Qing," he started, his voice shaky. She turned to him, her expression curious. "Can we talk for a moment?"

"Of course, Cheng!" she replied, her smile warm and encouraging. The others drifted away, sensing the gravity of the moment.

Cheng took a deep breath, his palms clammy. "I know today is a goodbye, and I just wanted to say something before you leave. I... I care about you, Qing. More than just as a friend."

Qing's eyes widened, surprise mingling with something deeper. "Cheng, I..." She paused, looking up at the sky, where the clouds danced in the gentle breeze. "I've been feeling it too. You're kind, gentle, and you make me laugh. I admire everything about you."

His heart raced at her words, hope igniting within him. "So, you-"

Before he could finish, Qing stepped closer, her gaze unwavering. "I do feel something special between us, Cheng. I'm not afraid to say it. I accept your love wholeheartedly. I want to explore this with you, to see where it leads."

The world around them seemed to fade as Cheng processed her words. Joy surged through him like a warm tide, washing away all his fears. "Really?" he breathed, incredulous.

"Yes," she affirmed, her smile radiant. "Let's take this chance together. I want to discover what this means for us."

Cheng felt the weight of the universe lift off his shoulders. "Thank you, Qing. That means everything to me."

They stood in the garden, surrounded by the vibrant colors of flowers and the soft hum of nature, lost in each other's eyes. The sun cast a golden glow around them, illuminating the promise of a new beginning.

Qing took his hand, her touch igniting a spark that sent shivers down Cheng's spine. "No more hesitations," she said with a playful smile. "I want to be with you."

Cheng's heart swelled with happiness. "I promise to cherish you and make you happy, no matter what."

As they walked back to join the others, their fingers intertwined, the air around them shimmered with the promise of love blossoming. Though their time together in Yunmeng was coming to an end, they both knew that this goodbye was merely the start of a beautiful journey, one filled with laughter, friendship, and the thrilling possibility of love.