Three years ago, when the military-pay scandal broke, Prince Ning, Xiao Yan, claimed to be ill and went into hiding.
Three years later, a northern barbarian delegation arrived in the capital. On the pedestal of the Goddess Temple, a dancer found writing from her homeland.
Her name was Qiaojia. She came from beyond the heavens and was trapped here.
She was searching for an object that symbolized power, and a way to cure her illness.
He was waiting for someone to break the deadlock, a pawn who could help clear his name.
They first clashed in the dark.
He grabbed her by the waist. She slapped him.
He said, "This prince fell for you at first sight, and loved you at second sight."
She replied, "Your Highness, do you even believe what you're saying?"
She knew he was using her.
He knew she knew.
But as they kept pretending...
The patch of skin at her waist where he'd touched her began to burn uncontrollably.
He started to lose track of whether he was getting close to her for the act, or because he couldn't help himself.
Theme: Those who have been scorched by the light can never return to darkness. They can only burn themselves to ashes.
