LOVE IN THE SHADOWS OF TIME l LINGORM

CHAPTER 10

LingLing sat quietly in the carriage as it rumbled over the cobblestone path, deep in thought.

She still couldn’t believe that she was headed to the palace of Aveloria. Though the village was lively and filled with friendly faces, LingLing knew nothing could prepare her for the grandeur of meeting the King himself.

A royal guard had arrived at Aon’s home that morning, relaying that the King personally wished to see her—a rare honor indeed.

The clattering of the wheels seemed louder as her escort, a stoic royal guard, kept silent beside her.

LingLing glanced out the small carriage window, taking in the rolling countryside dotted with clusters of trees and the occasional thatched-roof farmhouse.

Yet, her mind returned to the morning when the guard had appeared at Aon’s doorstep, delivering the King’s summons.

“You’ve caught the King’s attention,” Aon had said, his voice a mix of pride and concern. “Not everyone receives such a request, LingLing. Be cautious, but also, be yourself.”

She had nodded, tucking away her doubts. But now, as the carriage jostled along the road, she couldn’t help but wonder what awaited her at the palace.

They hadn’t gone far when the guard suddenly pulled the reins, slowing the carriage to a halt.

The abrupt motion jerked LingLing from her thoughts.

“What’s going on?” she asked, peering ahead.

Up ahead, the road was blocked by a scene of chaos: an overturned carriage, a few royal guards lying unconscious, and a handful of bandits rummaging through the scattered belongings of their recent victims.

Among the wreckage, LingLing spotted a young woman crouched beside one of the fallen guards, her gown torn and her face pale with fear,.

Two remaining guards attempted to fend off the bandits, but they were outnumbered.

Without hesitation, LingLing leapt from her carriage, drawing her weapon as she sprinted toward the fray.

“Hey!” she shouted, catching the attention of the bandits. “Pick on someone who’s ready to fight.”

The bandits turned toward her, their sneers quickly replaced by wary looks. LingLing’s confidence and readiness to fight were evident.

“You shouldn’t have gotten involved,” one of them growled, lunging at her with a crude blade.

But LingLing was faster. She sidestepped the attack and countered with precision, disarming the man in one swift motion.

The others rushed at her, but LingLing moved like a seasoned warrior, her training in taekwondo and wushu giving her an edge.

The fight was intense but short-lived, and with the help of the remaining guards, the bandits were soon subdued or sent fleeing into the forest.

The young woman LingLing had noticed earlier approached, her expression a mixture of relief and admiration.

“Thank you, kind traveler.

I am Lady Suthida, daughter of Lord Phraeksa, who rules over the lands nearby. You have my gratitude.”

LingLing bowed her head modestly. “I’m glad to be of help, my lady.”

Lady Suthida looked over her shoulder at her remaining guards, worry flickering across her face.

“My guards are injured, and I fear traveling alone. Could I ask that you accompany me home, at least until we reach the safety of my father’s state?”