Ever since I had the thought of potentially being in love with Lady Li, I've been feeling restless. I wonder if this is how someone feels when they fall in love.

I decided to stop moping around and get ready for the day. After finishing my etiquette lessons, I decided to visit Lady Li. I can't help but feel a tremble in my heart at the thought of being able to see her delightful face.

I get out of my carriage, trying to keep my heartbeat in check as I walk through the garden to meet her ladyship.

I noticed her from a distance. She's observing a rose. She looks so mesmerised and lost in thought. I quietly approach her and rest a hand on her shoulder,

“My Lady, what's on your mind? You seem lost in thought.”

She looks up with a smile, “Greetings Dear. I was simply admiring this beautiful rose. It's so exquisite and delicate, wearing the dew drops as its jewellery.”

I watch her gently hold the rose and smile softly, “It's certainly beautiful. But it doesn't hold a candle to you.”

Her cheeks turn rosier, “Do not tease me like that.”

“I speak no lies, dear,” I take her hand in mine and start making our way to the gazebo.

I see some scattered books and scrolls on the table, “It seems you've been studying.”

“Oh yeah, I bought these from a merchant. I've been wanting to read literary works from other nations,” she says excitedly, her eyes beaming with joy. Her smile is so adorable and contagious, I can't help but smile as I sit beside her,

“Do tell me more about them,” I express my interest in the topics.

She grins and starts talking. Oh how graceful and passionate she looks while she talks about something she loves…I could listen to her talk for hours…

Our conversation gets interrupted when General Li enters the Gazebo. I get up from my seat and pay him due respect,

“Greetings, General. May the gods keep you blessed.”

He smiles gently, “No need to be so formal, Lady Lin. I was just passing through the garden when I saw you two. I hope my sister hasn't been causing you any issues.”

“Of course not, Lady Li has always been the sweetest lady I've had the privilege of getting to know. It's good to see you back. The Lord was feeling anxious about your health,” I speak politely.

“Father has been anxious ever since I joined the army. I can't blame him. It's not everyday that a man from a scholar family decides to become a General,” he chuckles and it makes me happy to see that the battlefield hasn't changed him much.

The three of us decide to take a walk around the garden. General Li takes a deep breath and speaks, “It's good to be back home, the only place where I can be at peace.”

“Dear brother, were you feeling homesick?” Lady Li decides to tease him a little.

“Perhaps I was. How else am I supposed to annoy my little sister if I'm not home?” He pokes her cheek playfully. It's pleasant to see them play around just like when we were young.

General Li takes his leave after a while. He has certainly grown into a fine gentleman. No wonder the maids were gossiping.

Our families have always been close due to our fathers becoming friends back when they were young. So the three of us have grown up together. Both General Li and Lady Li have always been kind and compassionate. General Li has always been free spirited. It's no wonder he chose to become a warrior instead of a scholar.

I still don't understand the predicament I'm in. Shouldn't I be attracted to the General? Yet…instead of being held by him, I wish to hold Lady Li in my arms. Am I really fine?

As I'm lost in my thoughts, I feel a hand nudging me softly,

“Lady Lin, are you feeling unwell? You look flustered,” she looks at me worriedly.

I smile to ease her worries, “I'm perfectly fine my lady. I've been a bit distracted because my Father asked me to memorise a scroll. I was simply trying to keep it memorised.”

She smiles brightly, “Oh I understand. I was worried for a moment.”

“It makes me happy to see how much you care about me,” I mumble softly as I look into her deep hazel eyes that resemble honey under the sunlight. I wonder how sweet she might taste…

I get snapped out of my thoughts as I hear her giggle.

“Of course I'd care. We've been close ever since we were little. I can't stand seeing you sad or hurt,” she softly rubs circles on the back of my palm. I can feel myself wanting to hold her close.

I couldn't hold myself back before I blurted out, “My Lady, may I hug you?”

Her eyes widened slightly at the sudden request, but she recovered and smiled, “Of course, it'd be my pleasure.”

I slowly wrap my arms around her and pull her close. I take a deep breath as I rest my head on her shoulder. She smells like jasmine. Her slender frame fits perfectly in my arms.

I slowly pull away. I do not wish to lose my composure just yet.

“I shall take my leave now,” I smile softly, holding her hands.

“Please do visit again,” she picks the rose we were talking about earlier and hands it to me,

“This rose reminded me of you.”

Her words make my heart tremble. The flower she was admiring so intently, reminded her of me.

“Thank you, I shall visit you again soon,” I turned away to hide my blush. My heartbeat has become erratic as I feel overjoyed.

I mount my carriage and rest my head against a cushion, my thoughts start going awry again.

Could I really be in love with her? Could she…love me back?

I fall asleep thinking about this over and over again as the carriage rides off to the sunset.

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