The next day, the Lycan Clan brimmed with life as their most awaited festival began. The palace was dressed in glowing lanterns, fluttering silk banners, and the air carried the scent of roasted meats, sweet cakes, and fragrant herbs. The Queen greeted esteemed guests with practiced grace, while citizens filled the streets with laughter and music.
Fang had woken early, dressed neatly, and wandered through the palace, marveling at the beauty around her. But as she turned a corner near Syaoran's chambers, she collided with someone.
A young woman, clad in ornate royal attire, stepped back with a sharp scowl.
Fang quickly apologized, even though the impact hadn't been her fault. "I'm sorry."
But the woman snapped, "Stop right there."
She strode forward and seized Fang's wrist tightly. "How dare a lowly girl bump into me and act as if nothing happened?"
Fang pulled her hand free, her voice calm but firm. "I already said sorry. You bumped into me. If anyone should apologize, it's you."
The woman's face turned red with anger. "Do you know who I am?"
"I don't. And I don't care," Fang replied. "You owe me an apology."
Before things escalated further, Syaoran stepped out of his chambers—and saw everything.
The princess raised her hand to summon a burst of magic at Fang.
But… nothing happened.
Confused, she tried again. Her magic fizzled.
Syaoran moved instantly, placing himself between them. With a flick of his hand, he released a pulse of power that pushed the princess back.
Seeing him, the woman quickly dropped to her knees and clutched her arm dramatically. "Your Majesty! She attacked me!"
Fang stepped forward, aghast. "You're pretending to be the victim now?"
Syaoran gently lowered her arm. "That's enough."
He turned to the princess, his voice sharp. "How dare you raise your hand against someone under my protection?"
She stammered, "But she—"
"I saw everything," Syaoran interrupted. "Fang apologized. You were at fault. Then you lied. And in my palace."
He took a step forward, his power flaring. "Apologize. Now."
Visibly shaken, the princess bowed low. "I… I'm sorry."
Fang turned to Syaoran. "She apologized. You can let her go now."
The girl rose quickly and fled, humiliated.
Syaoran turned back to Fang, concern softening his expression. "Are you alright?" he asked, scanning her closely. He couldn't stop wondering how the princess's attack had failed.
Fang smiled. "I'm fine. Now, about your promise—weren't you going to show me around today?"
He relaxed, finally smiling. "Alright. Wear the traditional dress. Wait for me outside my chambers tonight."
She grinned and walked off, leaving Syaoran standing there with a fluttering heartbeat.
---
🌸 That Afternoon
Later, Fang was summoned to the Queen's chamber.
When she entered and bowed, the Queen waved her off gently. "No need for formality, child."
Fang smiled. "Did you call for me, My Queen?"
"I did." The Queen opened a chest beside her, revealing a breathtaking traditional gown woven with silver threads and detailed patterns. "His Majesty likely gave you a festival dress. But this one is from me."
Fang's eyes widened. "It's… beautiful."
The Queen smiled and gently patted her head. "Wear this tonight. It will suit you more than you know."
Fang held the gown to her chest, speechless.
---
✨ That Night
Under the moonlight, Fang stepped outside in the Queen's gifted gown.
The silver embroidery shimmered as she walked, the breeze playing with her sleeves. She looked like a dream conjured by starlight.
She knocked on Syaoran's door.
When he opened it and saw her—he froze.
His breath caught in his throat. "You…"
She tilted her head. "What? Is something wrong?"
"You look… beautiful," he whispered.
Fang blinked, taken aback, her cheeks warming. "You look beautiful too," she mumbled.
Behind a wall, the Queen and her maid peeked around the corner.
The Queen smiled knowingly.
"My Queen, why are you smiling like that?" the maid asked.
"Because I've chosen the perfect girl for Syaoran," she whispered.
The maid tilted her head. "Fang?"
"Yes," the Queen said with confidence. "She's strong. She's kind. She'll protect him… and love him too."
"But she's a commoner. The ministers might oppose—"
The Queen's eyes sparkled with quiet resolve. "If they love each other, nothing will stop them."