In an octagonal pavilion halfway up the mountain.
Xiao Chengxuan turned his head and asked, "What hour is it?"
The guard accompanying him answered in a low voice, "Your Highness, it is almost noon."
Xiao Chengxuan frowned.
The guard looked down the mountain path and said hesitantly, "Your Highness, do you think... he might not be coming today?"
A cold smile touched Xiao Chengxuan's lips. "If he comes, we will have a proper talk. If he doesn't... then he will have made the decision for me."
The guard said no more.
Xiao Chengxuan glanced at the sky, a hint of impatience coloring his expression.
In truth, he was tired of waiting. People always waited for him; when had he ever been the one to wait for others?
"Another quarter of an hour—" Before he could finish, Xiao Chengxuan heard the rhythmic sound of footsteps in the distance.
