Lena and Rocky were strolling down the banks of the river in the moonlight. A soft breeze fanned them gently when it grew too humid. As they walked, they saw many people float boat lanterns down the river, on which their wishes were written.
Lena looked back at Rocky, pursed her lips and then led him towards the edge of the bank. It seemed that something was weighing heavily on her mind.
Rocky quietly observed her as she bought a boat lantern from a peddler. She tucked her hair behind her ear and began writing something on its side.
"Are you making a wish?" Rocky came nearer. "Don't you dare sneak a look!" Lena instantly hid the boat lantern behind her back.
"Oh, come on! It can't be anything that serious," Rocky said curiously. Lena seemed to be too protective of it.
"Please buy me a festive lantern over there. Make sure it's the most beautiful one." Lena took a silver coin from her waist pocket and tucked it into Rocky's left hand. Then she nudged his elbow. Glancing back at her, Rocky shrugged his shoulders and went off to fulfill her request.
When Rocky came back from buying a colorful lantern, he saw Lena standing at the riverbank, watching the boat lanterns flowing through the river in front of her. She looked rather morose and bitter.
'What has happened to Lena?' Rocky wondered to himself and approached her.
earnestly into his eyes, Lena said seriously, "Basil, I have
she going to declare her undying love for me?' Rocky thought to
few minutes later, they had reached a row of willow trees. A cool breeze from the river fanned their
your reach. But today you must agree to one thing," Lena told Rocky seriously. Her eyes were sparkling with love and passion, her face glowing in the moonlight.
the line every day for you. I would even agree to one hundred things!" Rocky swore, expressing
are going to be the son-in-law of Ximen Clan. And you will become an independent man of virtue. You need to stand
capable of doing such things already?" Rocky's forehead knotted in a frown.
will at least try to decline the arranged marriage made by your father," Lena
horrid woman. I was planning on asking you to plead my case with
to marry
Rocky was stunned into silence. His shock rooted him to the spot. He had never expected that Lena would demand that he promise to do this! Before their evening tryst, Lena had been staunchly opposed to the arranged marriage. Was she throwing some sort of peculiar
that, you will achieve supremacy over anyone in the Holy Dragon Empire!" Lena
marry her? Just for that nonsensical power?" Rocky's heart sank when he heard Lena's explanation. "It's for your own good and for the good of the future of the Holy Dragon Empire. You have to remember that defying your father will only end in tragedy for you. His Majesty has placed high hopes in you. If you let him down, it would be disastrous. Even if you're
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