“I am glad to hear that.” He swung himself effortlessly onto the saddle, gripping the reins with one hand as he ran the other over the horse’s neck. “Do you like osmanthus wine?”

“Yes.” My heart leapt at the mention of my favorite drink. Perhaps—deep down—a part of him remembered me still.

“There is a place by the lake, Sun Moon Teahouse. The view is beautiful at sunset, and it serves the finest wine in the region. Shall we meet there, tomorrow before dusk?” His lips curved into that slow smile which set my pulse racing.

“I will be there.” A promise for today, for all the days after.

I stared after him as he galloped away upon the horse, until he turned the corner at the end of the road. Only then did I lift my head, staring at the sun above. Its golden rays streaked across the cloudless skies, dispelling the lingering shade of night. My path stretched before me, unhindered, ablaze with light. Never had it been so clear before, never had it felt so bright.

I had believed all my hopes buried so deep, they could never be unearthed again. But I found my mind drifting once more to the realm of tomorrow, and the infinite possibilities that awaited there. My dreams were neither grand nor noble—not of defeating monsters, of peace in the realm, not even of my mother or father … but smaller and humbler, for myself alone.